Tamper-evident containers and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention refers to a tamper-evident container comprising: a store defining an internal volume and exhibiting a passage opening delimited by a free edge; a closure system engaged at the free edge and movable with respect to the store between a closure condition and an opening one; a safety device engaged at least partially with the store and at least partially with the closure system. The safety system comprises a breakage portion configured for separating from at least one between said closure system and store following a first opening of the closure system. The container comprises an electric circuit defined at least partially on the breakage portion of the safety device; said circuit being configured for changing at least one between an electric property and a physical property following the first opening of the closure system. The present invention further refers to a process of making the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119 to Italian Patent Application No. 102016000129333, filed Dec. 21, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to tamper-proof containers and methods of making such containers. The containers have applications in which products are packaged in a manner that closure of the containers is ensured, while a safety mechanism shows any possible tampering of the containers. For example, the containers advantageously have applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, for which portable dispensers can store tablets or pills in an intact and unaltered manner

BACKGROUND

Containers made of paper or plastic material can be provided with safety systems configured for showing an evidence of a tampering with the container itself. These containers, also known as “tamper-proof containers” are configured for receiving products into the interior thereof and, after a first closure condition, for actuating a safety device (this is generally defined as an “arming condition of the device”) so that, following a first closure condition, the container can give an evidence of the first closure condition. Generally, these systems are used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food fields in which it is particularly important to ensure the integrity of supplied products and according to specifications printed on the container.

For example, boxes using additional packages of plastic material adapted to wrap the whole box for substantially defining an additional envelope as a tamper-proof system are known: this type of boxes is also known in the field as “material wrapping”. However, this type of boxes is not capable of giving an effective evidence of a tampering with the package; faction fact, the retailer could simply remove the external plastic film for altering or substituting the products inside the container and then could sell this container without this additional safety wrapping, by simply offering the consumers the bare package (the unwrapped container).

Moreover, boxes using heat-transfer printable self-adhesive labels made of polyester applied on the closure system of the container as “tamper-proof” systems, are known; said labels are configured for leaving an evident mark on the container when they are removed. Also, this latter type of safety systems is not capable of giving an effective evidence of the tamper with the package; in fact, the tab could be partially peeled from the container to which the same is applied in order to open and tamper with the product contained inside. After tampering with the product, the label could be glued again to the container in the same position where the label was applied for the first time: in this way, it would be possible to effectively disguise the performed opening of the container.

Moreover, “tamper-proof” containers of paper material, devoid of additional safety systems such as for example additional wrappings or labels, were made.

In some embodiments, boxes completely made of paper material, exhibiting a store provided with an opening delimited by a free edge; at such opening, there are two lateral tabs opposite to each other and rotatably movable about the edge. The lateral tabs are configured for rotating towards the store interior and for being positioned in a partially overlapped condition. Each of said tabs is cut at the free edge of the store in order to define a type of movable door. Moreover, the container exhibits a closure system engaged with the free edge of the store and interposed between the tabs; the closure system is also rotatably movable about the free edge and is configured for being positioned above the tabs. Particularly, the lid is provided with an upper tab adapted to overlap the lateral tabs for defining a closure condition of the container; moreover, the lid is provided with an inserting tab adapted to be inserted inside the container and to be blocked by the lateral tabs for preserving said closure condition.

The upper tab is provided with notches defining the doors which are configured for cooperating with the respective doors of the lateral tabs. The container provides, as a tamper-evident system, to forcedly fold the doors of the upper tab and lateral tabs into the store: opening the container causes the doors supported by the upper tab to be broken. The end user can detect the performed opening of the container due to the absence of the doors of the upper tab.

Such embodiments may provide an improvement with respect to the packaging and sealing systems hereinbefore described, at least regarding the product and process costs because it does not provide using any additional materials (coatings of plastic film and/or additional labels, for example); the container is indeed completely made of a paper material: the “tamper-evident” system is formed by paper portions of the upper tab and lateral internal tabs. While this system is an improvement in comparison with the beforehand described solutions, also this latter described approach exhibits an important limit due to the structure of the “tamper-evident” system which can be easily reached and therefore bypassed even though the container is closed. The safety device—located on the top of the container—could be tampered and circumvented when opening the container in order to not break the doors for not showing the tamper.

In other embodiments, a container of paper material comprises a store exhibiting at least one opening for inserting/withdrawing products from said container; the opening of the store is delimited by a free edge, with it a system for closing the container is rotatably movably engaged. Moreover, the container comprises a safety device defined by a first hooking portion placed inside the store and a second hooking portion supported by the closure system; the first and second hooking portions are configured for stably engaging with each other following a first closure condition of the container (“armed” condition of the container). The first hooking portion supports a removable portion which is configured for separating from the container following a first opening condition of this latter, after the first closing condition, for showing an evidence of the performed tamper of the container. Such solutions provide an improvement with respect to the prior solutions due to the particular effectiveness of the safety device. The hooking portions and removable portion of this safety device are housed into the store and for this reason are hardly reachable and bypassable. While the beforehand containers are used for implementing tamper-evident solutions, the Applicant has observed that these latter solutions are anyway improvable in many aspects.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to substantially solve at least one of the disadvantages and/or limitations of the prior solutions.

A first object of the present invention includes providing a container which can effectively show a tamper. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container enabling to effectively and quickly check a possible tampering with the container both by an operator appointed to the distribution of the same (for example a retailer of the product) and by the final customer (user).

A further main object of the invention includes providing a tamper-evident container which can ensure to easily and effectively arm the container at the first closure of the same. A further main object of the invention includes providing a container which can be simply and quickly made, enabling to minimize the manufacturing and product costs. A further object of the invention includes providing a container which is substantially capable of offering an optimal cosmetic aspect while maintaining simple the manufacturing and assembly processes. Then it is a secondary object of the invention to provide a tamper-evident container which can be used many times by the consumer and which can be disposed of by recycling it, once the container has fulfilled its function, without particular problems tied to the biodegradability of the material by which the container is made.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container which can effectively ensure an evidence of a tamper of the container itself to sight-impaired people. These and other objects which will better appear in the following description, are substantially met by a container and process of making the same according to what is disclosed in one or more of the attached claims and/or of the following aspects, considered alone or in any combinations with each other or in combination with anyone of the attached claims and/or in combination with anyone of the further aspects or characteristics described in the following.

The aspects of the invention are described in the following.

In a 1st aspect, it is provided a tamper-evident container (1) comprising:

-   -   at least one store (2), optionally of sheet material, defining         an internal volume (3) and configured for housing products, said         store (2) exhibiting a passage opening (5) delimited by a free         edge (6), said passage opening (5) being configured for putting         in communication the internal volume (3) of the store (2) with         the external environment,     -   at least one closure system (7), optionally of sheet material,         engaged at said free edge (6) and movable, particularly by         rotation, with respect to the store (2), the closure system (7)         being configured for defining at least one closure condition in         which the system (7) itself interdicts the communication between         the internal volume (3) of the store (2) and the external         environment, the closure system (7) being configured for         defining an opening condition in which the system (7) itself         enables the communication between the internal volume (3) and         the external environment.

In a 2nd aspect according to the aspect 1, the container comprises at least one safety device (12), optionally of sheet material, engaged at least partially with the store (2) and at least partially with the closure system (7), said safety device (12) comprising at least one breakage portion (15) configured for separating from at least one between said closure system (7) and store (2) following a first opening of the closure system (7), the container (1) comprising an electric circuit (30) defined at least partially on the safety device (12), said circuit (30) being configured for changing at least one between an electric property and a physical property following the first opening of the closure system (7).

In a 3rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, said electric property comprises at least one selected in the group of: the resistance of the electric circuit (30), the impedance of the electric circuit (30).

In a 4th aspect according to the aspect 2 or 3, said physical property comprises an electric continuity between two points of the electric circuit (30).

In a 5th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 4, wherein the electric circuit (30) comprises a circuit line (33) extending partially on the breakage portion (15) and, particularly seamlessly, at least partially on at least one selected in the group between: the store (2), the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device, and wherein said electric circuit (30) is configured for:

-   -   exhibiting, following a first closure of the closure system (7)         and before a first opening of this latter, a circuit line (33)         extending seamlessly on the breakage portion (15) and on at         least one between: the store (2), safety device (12),     -   exhibiting, following a first opening of the closure system (7),         an interrupted circuit line (33) configured for showing evidence         of a tamper of the container (1).

In a 6th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the circuit line (33) extends—before the first opening of the closure system (7)—seamlessly between a first and second end portions (31, 32).

In a 7th aspect according to the preceding aspect, at least one between said first and second end portions (31, 32) being not defined on the breakage portion (15).

In an 8th aspect according to the aspect 6 or 7, said first and second end portions (31, 32), following the first opening of the closure system (7), being not electrically connected to each other.

In a 9th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 6 to 8, said first and second end portions (31, 32) of the electric circuit (30) are not defined both on the breakage portion (15).

In a 10th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 6 to 9, the circuit line (33)—following a first closure of the closure system (7) and before the first opening of said closure system (7)—crosses at least partially the breakage portion (15) and seamlessly connects said first and second end portions (31, 32).

In an 11th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 6 to 10, at least part of the circuit line (33)—following the first opening of the closure system—is configured for separating together with the breakage portion (15) for interrupting the connection between said first and second end portions (31, 32).

In a 12th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 11, the breakage portion (15)—following a first opening of the closure system (7)—is configured for irreversibly separating from at least one between said closure system (7) and store (2) for irreversibly causing an irreversible variation of at least one between the electric property and physical property of the electric circuit (30).

In a 13th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 12, the electric circuit (30) is configured for:

-   -   enabling, following a first closure of the closure system (7)         and before a first opening of this latter, the passage of a         signal, particularly an electric signal, representative of a         closure condition of said electric circuit (30) and therefore         transmitting a signal representative of the first closure         condition of the closure system (7);     -   defining, following a first opening of the closure system (7),         at least one interruption point of the electric circuit (30)         itself adapted to prevent the passage of a signal representative         of a closure condition of the circuit itself, said circuit,         following the first opening of the closure system (7), being         configured for giving evidence of a tamper of the container (1)         by means of the failed passage and transmission of said signal.

In a 14th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 6 to 13, the store (2) of sheet material extends between an internal surface (2 a) delimiting the internal volume (3), and an external surface (2 b)—opposite to the internal surface (2 a)—which outwardly delimits the store (2),

wherein the first and second end elements (31, 32), distinct and separated from each other, are disposed on the external surface (2 b) of the store (2) for respectively defining a first and second contacts.

In a 15th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said first and second contacts are configured for electrically connecting a detecting device, said first and second contacts being further configured for:

-   -   transmitting to said detecting device—following a first closure         of the closure system and before a first opening of the closure         system (7)—a signal representative of a closure condition of         said electric circuit, particularly for confirming the presence         of said breakage portion (15),     -   not transmitting any signal type—following a first opening of         the closure system following a first closure of this latter—for         giving evidence of the lack of the breakage portion (15) and         therefore for giving evidence of a tamper of the container (1).

In a 16th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 15, the safety device (12) and store (2) are completely made of a non-conductive sheet material.

In a 17th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 16, the electric circuit (30) comprises a printed circuit, optionally made by an offset print, on at least part of the safety device (12).

In an 18th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 17, the closure system (7) comprises a tab (8) supporting a closure portion (9) engaged with the free edge (6) of the store (2) and movable, particularly by rotation, with respect to this latter, the tab (8) further exhibiting at least one inserting portion (10) configured for inserting, in the closure condition of the closure system (7), inside the volume (3) of the store (2), the safety device (12) comprising:

-   -   at least one first hooking portion (13) supported by the tab (8)         of the closure system (7),     -   at least one second hooking portion (14) engaged with the store         (2) and configured for cooperating with said first hooking         portion (13),         the first and second hooking portions (13, 14) being configured         for stably engaging with each other during a first closure         condition of the closure system (7),         at least one between said first and second hooking portions (13,         14) supporting said breakage portion (15) which is configured         for separating from the safety device (12) following a first         opening of the closure system (7) following a first closure of         this latter.

In a 19th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the electric circuit (30) is defined on at least one selected in the group of the following breakage portions (15): the breakage portion supported by the first hooking portion (13), the breakage portion supported by the second hooking portion (14).

In a 20th aspect according to the aspect 18 or 19, the second hooking portion (14) is disposed at least partially in the container (1), particularly said second hooking portion (14) being at least partially placed in the internal volume (3) of the store (2), the first hooking portion (13), during the first closure of the system (7), being configured for inserting at least partially into the internal volume (3) of the store (2) for stably engaging the second hooking portion (14),

the breakage portion (15) supporting at least part of the electric circuit (30) being disposed—at least during the first closure of the closure system (7)—into the internal volume of the store (2).

In a 21st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 20, the store (2) comprises at least one lateral wall (4) extending along an axis and exhibiting, according to a cross-section normal to said axis, a closed-outline shape, the lateral wall (4) defining said free edge (6) delimiting the opening (5),

wherein the second hooking portion (14) extends along a development surface at least partially parallel to the lateral wall of the store (2).

In a 22nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 21, the store (2) comprises a front wall (4 a) in front of a rear wall (4 b) facing and parallel to each other, the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls (4 c, 4 d) also facing and parallel to each other, the front wall (4 a) being distanced from the rear wall (4 b), the first and second lateral walls (4 c, 4 d) of the store (2) being distanced from each other,

wherein the closure system (7) is directly connected, particularly integrally joined, to the rear wall (4 b) of the store (2), while the second hooking portion (14) is associated to the front wall (4 a) of the store (2).

In a 23rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 22, the breakage portion (15) is only supported by the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12), particularly the breakage portion (15) is disposed—at least during the first closure of the closure system (7)—in the internal volume of the store (2).

In a 24th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 23, one between said first and second hooking portions (13, 14) exhibits the breakage portion (15) having at least one undercut portion (16), at least the other between said first and second hooking portions (14, 13) being configured for engaging said undercut portion (16) following the first closure of the closure system (7).

In a 25th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15) is delimited by a gripping edge (17) which, following the first closure of the closure system (7), is distinct and distanced from the free edge (6) of the store (2).

In a 26th aspect according to the aspect 24 or 25, the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15) comprises at least one hook (18) defining a seat (19) the concavity thereof faces, during the first closure of the closure system, away from the passage opening (5) of the store (2).

In a 27th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 24 to 26, wherein one between said first and second hooking portions, not exhibiting said breakage portion (15), comprises at least one respective undercut portion (20) delimited by a respective gripping edge (21), said respective undercut portion (20), following the first closure of the closure system (7), is configured for engaging the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15).

In a 28th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the gripping edge (17) of the breakage portion (15), in the first closure condition of the closure system (7), is interposed between the free edge (6) of the store (2) and the respective gripping edge (21) of the hooking portion not exhibiting the breakage portion (15).

In a 29th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 28, the electric circuit is made by a paint or ink at least partially made of a conductive material.

In a 30th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 29, the store (2) comprises at least one through control opening (24) disposed at the breakage portion (15) of the safety device (12) and at the inserting portion (10) of the tab (8),

wherein the control opening (24) is configured for:

-   -   enabling—following the first closure of the closure system and         before the first opening of this latter—to display the breakage         portion (15),     -   enabling to display the inserting portion (10) of the tab (8)         following the first opening of the container (1) for giving         evidence of a tamper of the container (1).

In a 31st aspect according to the preceding aspect, wherein at least part of the inserting portion (10) visible from the control opening (24) is different and distinct from at least part of the breakage portion (15) visible from the control opening (24), the distinctiveness between the visible parts of the inserting portion (10) and removable portion (15) is adapted to show from the outside the tamper of the container (1) after the first opening of this latter.

In a 32nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 31, the first hooking portion (13) is directly connected to the inserting portion (10), particularly is integrally joined, and emerges tangent to this latter, the inserting portion (10) being interposed between the first hooking portion (13) and the closure portion (9) of the tab (8),

wherein the second hooking portion (14) is directly connected to the front lateral wall (4) of the store (2) and develops substantially parallel to this latter.

In a 33d aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 32, the breakage portion (15) is only supported by the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12).

In a 34th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 33, the electric circuit (30) is only defined on the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12), on the breakage portion (15) and on the store (2).

In a 35th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 6 to 34, the end portions (31, 32) of the electric circuit (30) are defined on the store (2), particularly on an external surface of the store (2).

In a 36th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 35, the circuit line (33) extends—following the first closure of the closure system (7) and before the first opening of this latter—seamlessly from the store (2) to the breakage portion (15) supported by the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12).

In a 37th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, wherein the container (1) is made by folding a single flat blank (50), particularly said blank (50) being completely made of paper sheet material.

In a 38th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container comprises at least one electric circuit (30) connected to the store (2) and defined at least partially on the closure system (7), said electric circuit (30) being configured for determining at least one between one electric property and one physical property of the electric circuit (30) itself following at least one first closure of the closure system (7).

In a 39th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said electric property comprises at least one selected in the group between: the resistance of the electric circuit (30), the impedance of the electric circuit (30).

In a 40th aspect according to the aspect 38 or 39, said physical property comprises at least one of:

-   -   an open state of the circuit (30),     -   a closed state of the circuit (30),     -   a number of openings of the electric circuit (30) following a         first closure of the circuit (30) itself,     -   a number of closures of the circuit (30).

In a 41st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 40, the electric circuit (30) is configured for determining the number of closures performed by the closure system (7).

In a 42nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 41, the electric circuit (30) is configured for determining a tamper condition of the container (1) as a function of a predetermined relationship between:

-   -   a reference parameter, and     -   at least one between said electric and physical properties of         the electric circuit itself (30), determined by means of the         electric circuit (30) itself following at least one first         closure of the closure system (7).

In a 43rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 42, the electric circuit (30) is configured for:

-   -   determining a predetermined number of closures of the closure         system (7),     -   determining a tamper condition of the container when the         electric circuit (30) itself should determine a number of         closures of the closure system greater than 1.

In a 44th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 43, the electric circuit (30) comprises:

-   -   a first end contact (35) defined on the closure system (7),     -   a second end contact (36) connected to the store (2), said         second end contact (36) being adapted to contact the first end         contact (35) in the closure condition of the closure system (7)         for defining a closure of the electric circuit (30),     -   a circuit line (33) electrically connecting—both in the closure         condition and in the open condition of the closure system         (7)—the first and second end contacts (35, 36),     -   a control unit (34) active on the circuit line (33) and         configured for:         -   determining the electric contact between the first and             second end contacts (35, 36) and therefore the closure of             the electric circuit (30),         -   determining the number of closures of the electric circuit             (30),         -   determining a tamper condition of the electric circuit (30)             when the number of closures of the electric circuit (30),             particularly the closures of the closure system (7), is             greater than 1.

In a 45th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the store (2) of sheet material extends between an internal surface (2 a) delimiting the internal volume (3) and an external surface (2 b)—opposite to the internal surface (2 a)—which outwardly delimits the store (2), the closure system (7) of sheet material extends between a first and second surfaces respectively seamlessly joined to the internal and external surfaces (2 a, 2 b) of the store (2), said closure system (7)—in the closed condition—being at least partially inserted into the internal volume (3) of the store (2),

wherein the first end contact (35) is defined on the second surface of the closure system (7) while the second end contact (36) is defined inside the store (2), the first and second end contacts (35, 36)—in the closed condition of the closure system (7), particularly inside the store (2)—are configured for defining an electric contact, optionally the first and second terminal contacts, in the closing condition of the closure system, are direct in contact each other.

In a 46th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the container (1) comprises an abutment portion (37) integrally joined to the free edge of the store (2) and folded into the internal volume (3) of this latter, the abutment portion (37) is made of a sheet material and extends, in thickness, between a first and a second surfaces respectively seamlessly joined to the internal and external surfaces (2 a, 2 b) of the store (2), wherein the closure system (7) is adapted to abut against the abutment portion (37) inside the store (2),

wherein the second end contact (36) is defined on the second surface of the abutment portion, the first end contact (35) being defined on the second surface of the closure system (7), wherein the circuit line (33) seamlessly extends on the following surfaces:

-   -   a second surface of the abutment portion (37),     -   an external surface (2 b) of the store (2),     -   a second surface of the closure system (7).

In a 47th aspect according to the aspect 44 or 45 or 46, the control unit (34) comprises:

-   -   an integrated device, particularly of a programmable type,         optionally a chip,     -   a memory connected or integrated to the integrated device,     -   a supply connected to the integrated device and/or memory,     -   optionally, a transmission device connected to the integrated         device and/or memory, said transmission device being configured         for transmitting a signal representative of at least one of said         electric and physical properties of the electric circuit (30),         particularly of the number of closures of the closure system         (7), for signaling a possible tamper condition of the container         (1).

In a 48th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 44 to 47, the closure system (7) comprises at least one tab (8) exhibiting a closure portion (9) engaged with the free edge (6) of the store (2) and movable, particularly by rotation, with respect to this latter, moreover the tab (8) exhibiting at least one inserting portion (10) configured for inserting, in the closure condition of the closure system (7), inside the volume (3) of the store (2), wherein the first end contact (35) is defined on the inserting portion (10).

In a 49th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the container (1) comprises a safety device (12) of sheet material exhibiting:

-   -   at least one first hooking portion (13) supported by the tab (8)         of the closure system (7),     -   at least one second hooking portion (14) engaged with the store         (2) and configured for cooperating with said first hooking         portion (13),         the first and second hooking portions (13, 14) being configured         for stably engaging each other during a first closure condition         of the closure system (7),         wherein the second hooking portion (14) is disposed inside the         store (2) and substantially defines at least part of the         abutment portion (37) supporting the second end contact (36)         configured for electrically contacting the first end contact         supported by the inserting portion (10) of the closure system         (7).

In a 50th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 49, the first and/or second hooking portions (13, 14) exhibit at least one breakage portion (15) configured for separating from the safety device (12) following a first open condition of the closure system (7) following said first closure condition for giving evidence of a tamper of the container (1),

in the closure condition of the system (7), the first hooking portion (13) being configured for inserting at least partially inside the internal volume (3) of the store (2) for stably engaging the second hooking portion (14).

In a 51st aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 50, the safety device (12), store (2) and closure system (7) are completely made of a non-conductive sheet material.

In a 52nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 51, the electric circuit (30) comprises a printed circuit, optionally made by an offset print.

In a 53rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 52, the electric circuit is printed on at least part of the safety device (12), store (2) and closure system (7).

In a 54th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 49 to 53, the electric circuit (30) is not defined on the breakage portion (15) of the safety device (12).

In a 55th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 54, the second hooking portion (14) is disposed in the internal volume (3) of the store (2),

the first hooking portion (13), during the first closure of the system (7), being configured for inserting at least partially inside the internal volume (3) of the store (2) for stably engaging the second hooking portion (14).

In a 56th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 55, the store (2) comprises at least one lateral wall (4) extending along an axis and exhibiting according to a cross-section normal to said axis, a closed outline shape, the lateral wall (4) defining said free edge (6) delimiting the opening (5), wherein the second hooking portion (14) extends along a development surface at least partially parallel to the lateral wall of the store (2).

In a 57th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 46 to 56, the store (2) comprises a wall (4 a) in front of a rear wall (4 b) facing and parallel to each other, the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls (4 c, 4 d) also facing and parallel to each other, the front wall (4 a) being distanced from the rear wall (4 b), the first and second lateral walls (4 c, 4 d) of the store (2) being distanced from each other,

wherein the closure system (7) is directly connected, particularly integrally joined, to the rear wall (4 b) of the store (2), while the second hooking portion (14), particularly the abutment portion (37) supporting said second end contact (36), is associated to the front wall (4 a) of the store (2).

In a 58th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 47, the breakage portion (15) is only supported by the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12), particularly the breakage portion (15) is disposed—at least during the first closure of the closure system (7)—in the internal volume of the store (2).

In a 59th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 58, one between said first and second hooking portions (13, 14) exhibits the breakage portion (15) having at least one undercut portion (16), at least the other between said first and second hooking portions (14, 13) being configured for engaging said undercut portion (16) following the first closure of the closure system (7).

In a 60th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15) is delimited by a gripping edge (17) which, following the first closure of the closure system (7), is distinct and distanced from the free edge (6) of the store (2).

In a 61st aspect according to the aspect 59 or 60, the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15) comprises at least one hook (18) defining a seat (19) the concavity thereof faces, during the first closure of the closure system, away from the passage opening (5) of the store (2).

In a 62nd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 59 to 61, one between said first and second hooking portions, not exhibiting said breakage portion (15), comprises at least one respective undercut portion (20) delimited by a respective gripping edge (21), said respective undercut portion (20), following the first closure of the closure system (7), is configured for engaging the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15).

In a 63rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the gripping edge (17) of the breakage portion (15), in the first closure condition of the closure system (7), is interposed between the free edge (6) of the store (2) and the respective gripping edge (21) of the hooking portion not exhibiting the breakage portion (15).

In a 64th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 18 to 63, the store (2) comprises at least one through control opening (24) disposed at the breakage portion (15) of the safety device (12) and at the inserting portion (10) of the tab (8), wherein the control opening (24) is configured for:

-   -   enabling—following the first closure of the closure system and         before the first opening of this latter—to display the breakage         portion (15),     -   enabling to display the inserting portion (10) of the tab (8)         following the first opening of the container (1) for giving         evidence of a tamper of the container (1).

In a 65th aspect according to the preceding aspect, at least part of the inserting portion (10) visible from the control opening (24) is different and distinct from at least part of the breakage portion (15) visible from the control opening (24), the distinctiveness between the visible parts of the inserting portion (10) and removable portion (15) is adapted to show from the outside the tamper of the container (1) following the first opening of this latter.

In a 66th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first hooking portion (13) is directly connected to the inserting portion (10), particularly is integrally joined, and emerges tangent to this latter, the inserting portion (10) being interposed between the first hooking portion (13) and closure portion (9) of the tab (8),

wherein the second hooking portion (14) is directly connected to the front lateral wall (4) of the store (2) and substantially develops parallel to this latter.

In a 67th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 2 to 68, the breakage portion (15) is only supported by the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12).

In a 68th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the container is made by firstly folding a single flat blank (50), particularly said blank (50) being completely made of paper sheet material.

In a 69th aspect, it is provided a process of making a container (1) according to anyone of the preceding aspects.

In a 70th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the process comprises at least the following steps:

-   -   folding a first sheet (51), particularly a first flat-type sheet         for defining the store (2),     -   folding a second sheet (57), particularly a first flat-type         sheet, joined to the first sheet for defining said closure         system (7).

In a 71st aspect according to the aspect 69 or 70, the process comprises a step of providing the safety device (12), optionally of sheet material, and engaging said device (12) at least partially with the store (2) and at least partially with the closure system (7), said safety device (12) comprising at least one breakage portion (15) configured for separating from at least one between said closure system (7) and store (2) following a first opening of the closure system (7),

further, the process comprising the step of defining the electric circuit (30) at least partially on the safety device (12), said circuit (30) being configured for changing at least one between an electric property and a physical property following the first opening of the closure system (7).

In a 72nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the safety device (12) provides the following sub-steps:

-   -   providing the first hooking portion (13),     -   providing the second hooking portion (14) supporting said         breakage portion (15),     -   defining, on the breakage portion (15) and on the second hooking         portion (14), the electric circuit (30).

In a 73rd aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 70 to 72, the first sheet (51) extends in thickness between a first and second development surfaces respectively adapted to define—following the step of providing the store (2)—the internal surface (2 a) and external surface (2 b) of the store (2), said first sheet (51) comprising:

-   -   at least one first and one second portions (52, 54)         interconnected by a central connecting portion (53), said         central connecting portion (53) being interposed between the         first and second portions (52, 54),     -   at least one first and one second lateral connecting portions         (55, 56), the first portion (52) being interposed between the         first lateral connecting portion (55) and the central connecting         portion (53), the second portion (54) being interposed between         the second lateral connecting portion (56) and the central         connecting portion (53),         each of said portions (52, 53, 54, 55, 56) comprising at least         two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite end edges, said         portions (52, 54), central connecting portion (53) and said         lateral connecting portions (55, 56) being joined along the         longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connecting         direction,         wherein said second sheet (57) comprises at least one first and         one second portions (58, 59) integrally joined to each other,         the first portion (58) of the second sheet being connected to         the first sheet (51) so that said first portion (58) is         interposed between the second portion (59) of the second sheet         (57) and the first sheet (51),         wherein the step of providing the store (2) comprises at least         the following sub-steps:     -   folding the portions of the first sheet (51) for forming the         passage opening (5) delimited by the free edge (6),     -   joining the lateral connecting portions (55, 56),         wherein the step of providing the closure system comprises at         least one step of folding the first and second portions of the         second sheet for respectively forming the closure portion (9)         and inserting portion (10) of the closure system (7).

In a 74th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the safety device (12) comprises the following sub-steps:

-   -   providing a third sheet (62) comprising at least one portion         (63) integrally joined to the second portion (59) of the second         sheet (57), the portion (63) of the fourth sheet (62)         longitudinally emerging from the second sheet (57) oppositely to         the first sheet (51), said third sheet (62) being configured for         defining the first hooking portion (13) of the container (1),     -   providing a fourth sheet (64) comprising at least one portion         (65) integrally joined to the first sheet (51) and configured         for defining the second hooking portion (14) of the container         (1),     -   folding the portion (65) of the fourth sheet (64) for forming         the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12) so         that this latter is disposed inside the volume (3) of the store         (2),         the step of providing the third and/or fourth sheets (62, 64)         providing a step of forming, on the respective portion (63, 65),         at least one further portion (66) integrally joined to said         portion (63, 65) by means of a weakening line (67), said further         portion being further configured for defining the breakage         portion (15) of the container (1) on which at least part of the         electric circuit (30) is defined.

In a 75th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first, second, third, fourth sheets (51, 57, 62, 64) are integrally joined for forming a single sheet blank (50), particularly of paper material.

In a 76th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the further portion (66) of the third and/or fourth sheets (62, 64) provides to form at least one undercut (70) which is adapted to define the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15), at least one between said first and second hooking portions (13, 14) being configured, in the first closure condition of the container (1), for engaging said undercut portion (16), and wherein the step of forming at least one of the portions (63, 65), respectively of the third and fourth sheets (62, 64) and not supporting said further portion (66), provides at least to form an undercut (71) adapted to define the respective undercut portion (20) of the container (1) which is delimited by the respective gripping edge (21), said respective undercut portion (20), in the first closure condition of the closure system (7), being configured for engaging the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15).

In a 77th aspect according to the aspect 75 or 76, the step of forming the portion (63) of the third sheet (62) provides at least the following sub-steps:

-   -   forming, as an extension of the second portion (59) of the         second sheet (57), a flat sheet substantially parallel to the         second sheet (57), the extension sheet emerging from the second         portion (59) oppositely to the first portion (59) of the second         sheet (57),     -   forming an undercut (71) adapted to define the first hooking         portion (13) of the container (1);         and wherein the step of forming the portion (65) of the fourth         sheet (64) comprises at least the following sub-steps:     -   forming, as an extension of the first sheet (51), a flat sheet         substantially parallel to the second sheet (57),     -   forming on said sheet at least one undercut (70) adapted to         define the second hooking portion (14) of the container (1),     -   forming on said sheet at least one weakening line (67) adapted         to form the further portion (66) which supports the undercut         (70),         the breakage portion (15) being defined by means of the steps of         forming the fourth sheet (64).

In a 78th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 69 to 77, the electric circuit (30) is made by printing, particularly by an offset print.

In a 79th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 69 to 78, the container (1) is made by folding a single flat sheet of paper material, said electric circuit (30) being made by a printing process, particularly by an offset print, on said single sheet.

In an 80th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 69 to 79, the electric circuit (30) seamlessly extends on the first sheet, on the fourth sheet (64) and on the further portion (66), particularly defined on said fourth sheet (64).

In an 81st aspect, it is provided a process of making a container according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 68, comprising the following steps:

-   -   folding a first sheet (51), particularly a first flat-type         sheet, for defining the store (2),     -   folding a second sheet (57), particularly a first flat-type         sheet, joined to the first sheet for defining said closure         system (7),     -   defining an electric circuit (30) connected to the store (2) and         defined at least partially on the closure system (7), said         electric circuit (30) being configured for determining at least         one between an electric property and a physical property of the         electric circuit (30) itself following at least one first         closure of the closure system (7).

In an 82nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first sheet (51) extends in thickness between a first and second development surfaces respectively adapted to define—following the provision of the store (2)—the internal surface (2 a) and external surface (2 b) of the store (2), said first sheet (51) comprising:

-   -   at least one first and one second portions (52, 54)         interconnected by a central connecting portion (53), said         central connecting portion (53) being interposed between the         first and second portions (52, 54),     -   at least one first and one second lateral connecting portions         (55, 56), the first portion (52) being interposed between the         first lateral connecting portion (55) and the central connecting         portion (53), the second portion (54) being interposed between         the second lateral connecting portion (56) and the central         connecting portion (53),         each of said portions (52, 53, 54, 55, 56) comprising at least         two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite end edges, said         portions (52, 54), central connecting portion (53) and said         lateral connecting portions (55, 56) being joined along the         longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connecting         direction,         wherein said second sheet (57) comprises at least one first and         one second portions (58, 59) integrally joined to each other,         the first portion (58) of the second sheet being connected to         the first sheet (51) so that said first portion (58) is         interposed between the second portion (59) of the second sheet         (57) and the first sheet (51),         wherein the step of providing the store (2) comprises at least         the following sub-steps:     -   folding the portions of the first sheet (51) for forming the         passage opening (5) delimited by the free edge (6),     -   joining the lateral connecting portions (55, 56),         wherein the step of providing the closure system comprises at         least one step of folding the first and second portions of the         second sheet for respectively forming the closure portion (9)         and inserting portion (10) of the closure system (7).

In an 83rd aspect according to the aspect 81 or 82, the process comprises a step of providing the safety device (12) which provides the following sub-steps:

-   -   providing the first hooking portion (13),     -   providing the second hooking portion (14) supporting said         breakage portion (15),     -   defining, on the second hooking portion (14), the second end         contact (36) of the electric circuit (30).

In an 84th aspect according to the preceding aspect, wherein the step of providing the safety device (12) comprises the following sub-steps:

-   -   providing a third sheet (62) comprising at least one portion         (63) integrally joined to the second portion (59) of the second         sheet (57), the portion (63) of the fourth sheet (62)         longitudinally emerging from the second sheet (57) oppositely to         the first sheet (51), said third sheet (62) being configured for         defining the first hooking portion (13) of the container (1),     -   providing a fourth sheet (64) comprising at least one portion         (65) integrally joined to the first sheet (51) and configured         for defining the second hooking portion (14) of the container         (1),     -   folding the portion (65) of the fourth sheet (64) for forming         the second hooking portion (14) of the safety device (12) so         that this latter is disposed inside the volume (3) of the store         (2),         wherein the electric circuit (30) is seamlessly made on the         first sheet (51), on the second sheet (57) and on the fourth         sheet (64).

In an 85th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the third and/or fourth sheets (62, 64) provides a step of forming, on the respective portion (63, 65), at least one further portion (66) integrally joined to said portion (63, 65) by a weakening line (67), said further portion being configured for defining the breakage portion (15) of the container (1).

In an 86th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the first, second, third, fourth sheets (51, 57, 62, 64) are integrally joined for forming a single sheet blank (50), particularly of paper material.

In an 87th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of providing the further portion (66) of the third and/or fourth sheets (62, 64) provides to form at least one undercut (70) which is adapted to define the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15), at least one between said first and second hooking portions (13, 14) being configured, in the first closure condition of the container (1), for engaging said undercut portion (16), and wherein the step of forming at least one of the portions (63, 65), respectively of the third and fourth sheets (62, 64) and not supporting said further portion (66), provides at least to form an undercut (71) adapted to define the respective undercut portion (20) of the container (1) which is delimited by the respective gripping edge (21), said respective undercut portion (20), in the first closure condition of the closure system (7), being configured for engaging the undercut portion (16) of the breakage portion (15).

In an 88th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 85 to 87, the step of forming the portion (63) of the third sheet (62) provides at least the following sub-steps:

-   -   forming, as an extension of the second portion (59) of the         second sheet (57), a flat sheet substantially parallel to the         second sheet (57), the extension sheet emerging from the second         portion (59) oppositely to the first portion (59) of the second         sheet (57),     -   forming an undercut (71) adapted to define the first hooking         portion (13) of the container (1);         and wherein the step of forming the portion (65) of the fourth         sheet (64) provides at least the following sub-steps:     -   forming, as an extension of the first sheet (51), a flat sheet         substantially parallel to the second sheet (57),     -   forming on said sheet at least one undercut (70) adapted to         define the second hooking portion (14) of the container (1),     -   forming on said sheet at least one weakening line (67) adapted         to form the further portion (66) which supports the undercut         (70),         the breakage portion (15) being defined by the steps of forming         the fourth sheet (64).

In an 89th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 81 to 88, the electric circuit (30) is made by printing, particularly an offset print.

In a 90th aspect according to anyone of the aspects from 81 to 89, the container (1) is made by folding a single flat sheet of paper material, said electric circuit (30) being made by a printing process, particularly by an offset print, on said single sheet.

In a 91st aspect, it is provided an use of a container (1) according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 68 for containing at least one selected in the group of the following products: drugs, medicines, cosmetic products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings given only in an indicative and therefore non-limiting way, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention disposed in a closure condition;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention disposed in an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container according to the present invention during a closing step;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the container in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective schematic views of a container according to the present invention disposed in different operative conditions;

FIG. 6A is a cross-section view along the line VI-VI, of the container in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are further perspective schematic views of a container according to the present invention disposed in different operative conditions;

FIG. 9 is a detailed perspective view of a container according to the present invention;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views of a further embodiment of a container according to the present invention;

FIGS. 12 and 12A are detailed views of the container in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12B is a cross-section view along the line XII-XII of the container in FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a flat blank for making a container according to the present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic views of a process for making a container according to the present invention;

Figures from 16 to 19 are further perspective views of a further embodiment of a container according to the present invention;

Figures from 20 to 24 are perspective views of a further embodiment of a container according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a flat blank for making a container according to the embodiment illustrated in Figures from 20 to 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions and Conventions

It is observed that in the present detailed description, corresponding parts illustrated in the different figures are indicated by means of the same numeral references. The figures could illustrate the object of the invention by not-to-scale representations; therefore, parts and components illustrated in the figures regarding the object of the invention could only refer to schematic representations.

Instead, the term “product” means an article or a combination of articles of any type. For example, the product can be a drug or a medicine at a solid, liquid or gel state, in other words including two or more of said aggregation states. Moreover, the product can for example comprise: food products (for example confectionary products), cigarettes or cigars. The term product can further mean a package, for example a blister, supporting a plurality of articles. Moreover, the term product can mean at least one selected in the group between: one or more bottles of cosmetic articles, one or more bottles of medicines.

The term “paper material” means paper or paperboard; particularly, the sheet material useable for making the container can exhibit a grammage comprised between 100 and 500 g/m², particularly comprised between 200 and 400 g/m². The relevant paper material extends between a first and second prevalent development surfaces. The paper sheet material used for making the container can, in an embodiment variant thereof, be covered for at least one portion of the first and/or second prevalent development surfaces by a coating of plastic material, for example a film, the object thereof includes strengthening the container. When the coating is disposed for covering an external surface of the container, the same can be also used for forming a barrier against water and/or moisture which could weaken and structurally damage the package by consequently warping the paper material forming this latter. Advantageously but in a non-limiting way, the coating can comprise a plastic film adapted to completely cover both sides (the first and second prevalent development surfaces) of the paper material defining the package; the thickness of the coating film can exhibit values varying between 5 and 300 μm, particularly between 10 and 200 μm, still more particularly between 10 and 100 μm. The plastic material coating can be for example selected among the following materials: LDPE, HDPE, PP, PE.

Container

1 generally indicates a tamper-evident container for containing and supporting products. The present invention will not specifically describe the useable products because such container 1 can generally find an application in all the fields providing to package products in order to ensure the closure of the container itself and to provide a safety feature enabling to give evidence of a possible tamper of this latter.

The container 1 can find an advantageous application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, for example for defining dispensers adapted to receive pills or tablets; in these fields, it is important to provide the products in an intact condition and anyway unaltered and therefore is important the use of containers capable of giving evidence of a possible tamper or of a first opening.

1. First Embodiment of the Container 1

As it is visible in the attached figures, the container 1 comprises at least one store 2 defining an internal volume 3 configured for housing products; the store 2 substantially implements a compartment adapted to receive and support the products. More particularly, the store 2 comprises at least one lateral wall 4 defining at least one passage opening 5 delimited by a free edge 6: the passage opening 5 is configured for putting in communication the internal volume 3 of the store 2 with the external environment. The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the store 2 exhibiting two passage openings 5 opposite to each other with respect to the store 2 itself so that this latter can substantially define a conduit or tube laterally delimited by said wall 4 and open at the longitudinal ends. However, it is not excluded the possibility of making for example a store 2 exhibiting a single passage opening 5 or even a number of openings 5 greater than two (these conditions are not illustrated in the attached figures).

The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the store 2 exhibiting a prismatic rectangular shape (four lateral flat walls 4 having a rectangular shape); the store actually exhibits a front wall 4 a and a rear wall 4 b facing and parallel to each other: the front wall and rear wall are connected to each other by means of a first and second lateral walls 4 c, 4 d also facing and parallel to each other. The front wall 4 a is distanced from the rear wall 4 b; the first and second lateral walls 4 c, 4 d of the store 2 are also distanced from each other. The front and rear walls 4 a, 4 b exhibit the same rectangular shape (the walls are identical in shape and size); the lateral walls 4 c, 4 d exhibit an identical rectangular shape (the walls are identical in shape and size). However, it is not excluded the possibility of making a store 2 having a different shape, for example a square, trapezoidal or cylindrical shape.

As it is visible in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, from 8 to 13 for example, the store 2 can for instance comprise, in a non-limiting way, at least one through control opening 24 disposed substantially at the free edge 6 of the passage opening 5. The attached figures illustrate a configuration of the opening 24 which defines a closed perimetral edge and distanced from the free edge 6 of the store; the opening 24 can exhibit, in a non-limiting way, a cylindrical, rectangular, elliptical or square shape. As an alternative, the opening 24 can exhibit an open perimetral edge adapted to define at least part of the free edge 6; with such configuration, the opening 24 substantially comprises a through indentation defined on the lateral wall 4 of the store in continuity with the free edge 6: the indentation (opening 24) substantially defines a depression of the free edge 6.

When the control opening 24 is distinct and distanced from the free edge 6, in other words is defined by a closed outline opening, the store 2 can further comprise—in addition to the control opening 24—an indentation 27 defined as the free edge 6; as it is visible in the attached figures, the indentation 27 is in contact with the free edge 6 for defining a kind of depression: the indentation 27 substantially represents a depressed portion in continuity with the free edge 6. More particularly, the indentation 27 is defined on the lateral wall 4 of the store 2, particularly on the same lateral wall on which the control opening 24 is defined. The indentation 27 exhibits an open perimetral edge having a substantially “C” or “V” or “U” shape, the concavity thereof facing away from the internal volume 3 of the store 2. The depression (indentation 27) extends only along a small portion on the lateral wall; particularly, the maximum depth of the indentation 27 is equal to or greater than 1 mm, particularly is comprised between 1 and 10 mm; the maximum depth is represented by the maximum distance between the free edge 6 and a bottom edge of the indentation 27.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the store 2 is made of a sheet material, particularly a paper sheet material (completely of paper material), and obtained for example by folding it. More particularly, the sheet of the store 2 is defined in thickness between an internal surface 2 a delimiting the internal volume 3 and an external surface 2 b—opposite to the internal surface 2 a—which delimits the outside of the store 2.

As it is visible in the attached figures, the container 1 further comprises at least one closure system 7, also made of sheet material, engaged at the free edge 6 and movable, particularly by rotation, with respect to the store 2. Particularly, the closure system 7 is configured for defining at least one closure condition (see FIG. 1, for example) in which the system 7 itself interdicts the communication between the internal volume 3 of the store 2 and the external environment; the closure system 7 is further configured for defining at least one open condition (see FIG. 2, for example) in which the system 7 itself enables the communication between the internal volume and the external environment. De facto, the system 7 substantially represents a lid adapted to cooperate with the store 2 in order to manage the access to the internal volume 3. Advantageously, the container 1 comprises a closure system 7 for each passage opening 5 of the store 2. The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the container 1 exhibiting two passage openings 5; in such condition, the container 2 exhibits two closure systems 7 engaged with the respective free edge 6 of the store 2: the systems 7 are disposed oppositely to each other with respect to the store 2 itself. The closure system 7 is advantageously but in a non-limiting way integrally joined to the store 2, particularly to the free edge 6, and is rotatively movable about this latter between at least the closure and open conditions.

More particularly, the closure system 7 comprises at least one tab 7 exhibiting a closure portion 9 directly engaged and integrally joined to the free edge 6 of the store 2: the closure portion 9 represents the component of the tab 8 configured for interdicting the passage through the opening 5 in the closure condition of the system 7 itself. As it is visible in the attached figures, the closure portion 9 substantially comprises a flat body of sheet material countershaped to the free edge 6 of the opening 5. The attached figures schematically show a preferred configuration of the closure portion 9 exhibiting a rectangular shape completely countershaped to the free edge 6: in the closure condition of the system 7, the closure portion 9 is disposed at the free edge 6 for completely occluding the passage opening defined by said edge 6.

The closure portion 9, of sheet material, is defined in thickness between a first and second surfaces 9 a, 9 b (see FIGS. 4, 5 and 6A, for example). The closure portion 9 is integrally joined to the store 2: the closure portion is in one piece with the store. The first surface 9 a which is an extension of the portion 9, is placed in continuity with the internal surface 2 a of the store 2 so that the internal surface 2 and first surface 9 a substantially define a single extension surface. The second extension surface 9 b of the portion 9 is placed in continuity with the external surface 2 b of the store 2 so that the internal surface 2 b and second surface 9 b substantially define a single extension surface.

Moreover, the tab 8 comprises at least one inserting portion 10 configured for inserting, in the closure condition of the system 7, inside the volume 3 of the store 2. The inserting portion 10 is integrally joined to the closure portion 9 and emerges from a perimetral edge of this latter, opposite to the free edge 6 of the store 2: the inserting portion 10 substantially represents an extension of the closure portion 9 adapted to insert, in the closure condition of the system 7, inside the store 2.

As it is visible in the attached figures, also the inserting portion 10 substantially comprises a flat body of sheet material having, in a non-limiting way, a substantially rectangular shape; obviously it is not excluded the possibility of making an inserting portion having a different shape.

The inserting portion 10 is also defined in thickness between a first and second surfaces 10 a, 10 b (see Figures from 5 to 6A, for example). The inserting portion 10 is integrally joined to the closure portion 9 and particularly to the store 2: the inserting portion 10 is formed in one piece with the closure portion 9 and particularly with the store. The first extension surface 10 a of the portion 10 is placed in continuity with the first surface 9 a so that this latter and the first surface 10 a substantially define a single extension surface. The second extension surface 10 b of the inserting portion 10 is instead placed in continuity with the second external surface 9 b so that this latter and the second surface 10 b substantially define a single extension surface.

De facto, the first surface 10 a of the inserting portion 10 is placed in continuity with the internal surface 2 a of the store 2 by means of the first surface 9 a of the closure portion 9; the second surface 10 b of the inserting portion 10 is instead placed in continuity with the external surface 2 b of the store 2 by means of the second surface 9 b of the closure portion 9.

As hereinbefore described, the inserting portion 10—in the closure condition of the closure system 7—is configured for inserting at least partially into the internal volume 3 of the store 2 (see Figures from 3 to 6, for example); in the closure condition of the system 7, the second surface 10 b of the inserting portion 10 faces and abuts (at least partially) against the internal surface 2 a of the store 2. Specifically, the second surface 10 b—in the closure condition of the system 7—faces, particularly directly contacts, the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 and particularly a front lateral wall of the store 2 opposite to one rear lateral wall directly connected to the closure system 7 (see FIGS. 8 and 9, for example).

As it is visible in FIG. 9, for example, the second surface 10 b of the inserting portion 10—in the closure condition of the system 7—directly faces and substantially extends parallel to the lateral wall (the front lateral wall, for example) of the store 2 on which the control opening 24 and/or indentation 27 are defined.

The first surface 10 a of the inserting portion 10—under the closure condition of the system 7—also faces the internal surface 2 a of the store: particularly, the surface 10 a faces the internal surface 2 a of the store 2 defining the rear lateral wall, in other words the lateral wall 4 directly connected to the closure system 7 (FIG. 6A).

The closure portion 9 and inserting portion 10 feature a reciprocal connection edge opposite to the free edge 6 of the store 2 with respect to the closure portion 9 itself: the inserting portion 10 is rotatively movable with respect to the closure portion 9 about said reciprocal connection edge. As it is visible in FIG. 8, for example, the inserting portion 10, in the closure condition of the system 7, is configured for defining, according to a cross-section and cooperatively with the closure portion 9, a substantially “L” shape: in such condition, the inserting portion 10 extends substantially parallel to a lateral wall 4 of the store 2, particularly substantially parallel to the front and rear lateral walls of the store. As it is visible in the attached figures, for example, further the closure system 7 can comprise—in a non-limiting way—at least one abutment portion 11 engaged with the free edge 6 of the store 2 adjacent the tab 8: the abutment portion 11, in the closure condition, is configured for being interposed between the internal volume 3 and tab 8 in order to cooperate with this latter for stably holding it in said closure condition. The abutment portion 11 substantially comprises a flat tab of sheet material integrally joined to the free edge 6 of the store 2 adjacent the closure portion 9. The abutment portion 11 exhibits, in a non-limiting way, a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. Also, the abutment portion 11 is configured for rotating about the free edge 6 for facing, at least in the closure condition of the container 1, the interior of the store 2. More particularly, the abutment portion 11 is constrained to the free edge 6 so that can engage, in the closure condition of the container 1, at least part of the inserting portion 10 and/or of the closure portion 9 for stably holding the tab 8 in said condition.

Advantageously, the container 1 comprises two abutment portions 11 opposite to each other with respect to the tab 8: this latter is interposed between the two abutment portions 11. In such configuration, the two portions 11 symmetrically operate on the tab 8 for stably holding it in the closure condition.

As hereinbefore described, the store 2 can for example comprise a through control opening 24; as it is visible in the attached figures, the control opening 24 is disposed on the lateral wall 4 (the front lateral wall 4 a) configured for directly facing—in the closure condition of the system 7—the inserting portion 10, particularly the second surface 10 b of said portion 10. The control opening 24 is therefore disposed in proximity of the second surface 10 b and is configured for enabling to display this latter under determined operative conditions of the container 1 which will be more specifically described in the following. The opening 24 can—in addition or as an alternative—be configured for enabling to display the inserting portion 10 and the correct insertion of the same inside the store 2 as will be better described in the following.

Moreover, as hereinbefore described, the store 2 can comprise, for example, an indentation 27; as it is visible in FIG. 1 for example, the indentation 27 is disposed on the lateral wall 4 (the front lateral wall 4 a) configured for directly facing the inserting portion 10, particularly the second surface 10 b of said portion 10. Therefore, the indentation 27 is disposed in proximity of the second surface 10 b and is configured for enabling to display this latter under determined operative conditions of the container 1 which will be better described in the following.

As it is visible in the attached figures, the closure system 7 can comprise, in a non-limiting way, a through opening 26 configured for being located, in the closure condition of the system 7 itself, at the free edge 6, particularly at the indentation 27. De facto, the through opening 26, in the closure condition of the closure system 7, is disposed at the indentation 27 of the store 2 (FIG. 9): particularly, in such condition, the opening 26 and indentation 27 are substantially juxtaposed and, for example, at least partially countershaped to each other.

As it is visible in the attached figures, the through opening 26 defines a closed perimetral outline, particularly exhibiting at least one selected in the group among the following shapes: rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, semicircular, triangular. The through opening 26 is defined on the closure portion 9 and/or on the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the through opening 26 is seamlessly defined, at least partially, on the closure portion 9 and at least partially on the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8: the opening 26 is substantially defined on the reciprocal connection edge of the portions 9 and 10 (FIG. 9).

As hereinbefore specified, the whole closure system 7, defined by the tab (portions 9 and 10) and optionally by the abutment portions 11, is made of a sheet material; preferably, the system 7 is completely made of a paper sheet material (paper or paperboard). Specifically, the closure system 7 and store 2 are made in a single piece of the same paper sheet material.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the container 1 can for example comprise (in its first embodiment) a safety device 12 made of sheet material, engaged at least partially with the store 2 and at least partially with the closure system 7; the safety system 12 comprises at least one breakage portion 15 configured for separating from at least one of said closure system 7 and store 2 following a first opening of the closure system 7. The term first opening of the system 7 means a first opening condition occurring following a first closure (also known as arming condition) of the closure system 7 itself; de facto, the system 7, when is closed for the first time, is disposed in a first closure condition: when the system 7 switches for the first time from the first closure condition to an open condition, defines said first opening. In other words, the first opening is the first opening of the container 1 after it was closed for the first time.

Due to the separation of the breakage portion 15 from at least one between the store 2 and closure system 7, the container 1 is capable of giving evidence of a first opening of this latter and therefore of a possible tamper of the products contained in it.

The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, wherein the safety device 12 comprises at least one first hooking portion 13, supported by the tab 8 and at least one second hooking portion 14 engaged with the store 2. The first and second hooking portions 13, 14 are configured for stably engaging each other during a first closure of the closure system 7, in other words during a first absolute closure of the system 7 wherein the inserting portion 10 is inserted for the first time inside the store 2.

Advantageously, the second hooking portion 14 is defined in the store 2, particularly in the internal volume 3: the engagement between the first and second hooking portions 13, 14 is therefore also defined inside the store 2.

Specifically, and as it is visible in the attached figures, the first hooking portion 13 is engaged with, particularly directly supported by, the tab 8 of the closure system 7 (as an alternative it could be also supported by at least one abutment portion 11). More particularly, the first hooking portion 13 is only supported, but in a non-limiting way, by the inserting portion 10: the two portions 10 and 13 are advantageously integrally joined in order to form a single body. The first hooking portion 13 comprises a body of a flat sheet emerging, particularly seamlessly, from the inserting portion 10 oppositely to the closure portion 9: therefore, the inserting portion 10 is interposed between the closure portion 9 and first hooking portion 13. The first hooking portion 13, in the closure condition of the system 7 and therefore when inserting the inserting portion 10 into the store 2, is configured for also inserting into the internal volume 3.

The first hooking portion 13 is defined in thickness between a first and second surfaces 13 a, 13 b (see FIGS. 6A and 12B, for example). The first hooking portion 13 is integrally joined to the inserting portion 10: the first hooking portion 13 is formed in a single piece with the inserting portion and therefore with the tab 8. The first extension surface 13 a of the hooking portion 13 is seamlessly located with the first surface 10 a so that this latter and the first surface 13 a substantially define a single extension surface. On the contrary, the second extension surface 13 b of the first hooking portion 13 is in continuity with the second surface 10 b so that this latter and the second surface 13 b substantially define a single extension surface.

De facto, the first surface 13 a of the first hooking portion 13 is placed in continuity with the internal surface 2 a of the store 2 by means of the surfaces 10 a and 9 a; on the contrary, the second surface 13 b is placed in continuity with the external surface 2 b of the store 2 by means of the surfaces 10 b and 9 b.

As hereinbefore described, the first hooking portion 13—in the closure condition of the closure system 7—is at least partially inserted into the internal volume 3 of the store 2 (see FIG. 6, for example); in the closure condition of the system 7, the second surface 13 b faces the internal surface 2 a of the store 2. Particularly, the second surface 13 b—in the closure condition of the system 7—faces the front lateral wall of the store 2, opposite to the rear lateral wall directly connected to the closure system 7.

As it is visible in FIGS. 6A and 12B, for example, the second surface 13 b of the first hooking portion 13—in the closure condition of the system 7—faces and substantially extends parallel to the lateral wall (the front lateral wall for example) of the store 2 on which the control opening 24 and/or indentation 27 are defined. The first surface 13 a of the portion 13—in the closure condition of the system 7—also faces the internal surface 2 a of the store: particularly, the surface 13 a faces the internal surface 2 a of the store 3 defining the rear lateral wall, in other words the lateral wall 4 directly connected to the closure system 7.

De facto, the surfaces 13 a and 13 b of the first hooking portion 13 are respectively directed in the same direction of the first and second surfaces 10 a, 10 b of the inserting portion 10: the second surfaces 10 b, 13 b are seamlessly with each other and directly face a same lateral wall 4 (the front lateral wall) of the store 2 opposite to the lateral wall 4 directly connected to the system 7. In other words, the second surfaces 10 b, 13 b—in the closure condition of the system 7—face the outside of the container, in other words, face in a direction exiting the internal volume 3. The second surfaces 10 a, 13 a are also seamlessly with each other and face the internal volume 3 of the store 2.

Going into specific details, the first hooking portion 13 comprises at least one undercut portion 20 delimited by a gripping edge 21: the undercut portion 20, in the first closure condition of the container 1, is configured for engaging the second hooking portion 14 disposed inside the store 2. As it is visible in FIG. 6 for example, the undercut 20 comprises at least one hook 22 defining a seat 23 the concavity thereof faces, at least during the first closure condition of the closure system 7, at least one of the lateral walls 4 of the store 2, particularly faces an abutment portion 11 of the system 7. The seat 23 of the undercut portion 20 defines a substantially “C” shape: the gripping edge 21 delimits a portion of said seat 23.

The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the first hooking portion 13 which substantially comprises two hooks 22 opposite to each other. Under such condition, the first portion 13 therefore comprises two respective undercut portions 20 which, at least in the first closure condition of the container 1, are configured for both engaging the second hooking portion 14. The two undercut portions 20 comprise respective seats 23 the concavities thereof face away from each other: the concavity of the seats 23 faces the respective abutment portions 11 of the store 2. The presence of two undercuts 20 substantially defines a double symmetric grip on the second hooking portion 14 which makes more effective and stable coupling said first and second hooking portions 13, 14.

As hereinbefore described, the second hooking portion 14 of the device 12 is engaged inside the store 2. The position inside the store 2 of the second hooking portion 14 causes the engagement between this latter and the first hooking portion 13 to be defined in the closure condition of the system 7, in other words in the condition wherein the first hooking portion 13 is inserted at least partially into the internal volume 3.

The attached figures illustrate a configuration of the second hooking portion 14—of sheet material—developing along a plane substantially parallel to the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 to which it is associated. In such configuration, the second hooking portion 14 is engaged—directly for example—with the front lateral wall (flat wall) of the store 2: the second hooking portion 14 is substantially parallel to said front lateral wall of the store 2 or at least is slightly sloped less than 20°, particularly less than 10° from this latter.

The second hooking portion 14 is integrally joined to the store 2, particularly is integrally joined to the front lateral wall 4 a of the store 2. As for the first hooking portion 13, also the second portion 14 comprises a body of sheet material delimited in thickness between a first and second surfaces 14 a, 14 b. The first surface 14 a of the portion 14, in the closure condition of the system 7, is parallel to and faces the internal surface 2 a of the store 2.

The first and/or second hooking portions 13, 14 can comprise said breakage portion 15 of the safety device 12. In the preferred but non-limiting configuration illustrated in the attached figures, the second hooking portion 14 comprises the breakage portion 15; such breakage portion 15 is made of a sheet material and extends between a first and second surfaces 15 a, 15 b (see FIGS. 6A and 12B, for example), which substantially are extensions of the surfaces 14 a, 14 b of the second hooking portion 14. De facto, the first surface 15 a of the breakage portion 15, under the closure condition of the system 7, is substantially parallel to and directly faces the internal surface 2 a of the store 2 and particularly faces the front lateral wall of said store 2; on the contrary, the second surface 15 b is substantially parallel to and directly faces the second surface 10 b of the inserting portion 10.

De facto, as schematically shown in the cross-section view in FIG. 6A, the breakage portion 15—in the first closure condition of the system 7—is interposed between the inserting portion 10 and lateral wall 4 (particularly the front lateral wall) of the store 2.

The breakage portion 15 comprises at least one undercut portion 16 which is configured for engaging, in the first closure condition of the system 7, the respective undercut portion 20 of the first hooking portion 13. The undercut portion 16 of the breakage portion 15 is delimited by a gripping edge 17 which, in the first closure condition of the container 1 itself, is distinct and distanced from the free edge 6 of the store 2: the undercut portion 16 is located inside the store 2 (is completely inside the store) and distanced from the passage opening 5 (distanced from the free edge 6) so that the breakage portion 15 can engage, in the first closure condition, the respective undercut 20 of the first hooking portion 13.

As it is visible in FIG. 4 for example, the undercut portion 16 of the breakage 15 comprises at least one hook 18 defining a seat 19 the concavity thereof faces at least one of the lateral walls 4 of the store 2. Specifically, the seat 19 exhibits a substantially “C” shape: the gripping edge 17 delimits the portion of the seat 19 facing the free edge 6 of the store 2. More particularly, it is observed that the gripping edge 17 of the breakage portion 15, in the first closure condition of the container 1 itself, is interposed between the free edge 6 of the store 2 and the respective gripping edge 21 of the first hooking portion 13. The attached figures show in a non-limiting way a configuration of the breakage portion 15 which exhibits two undercuts 16 disposed oppositely to each other with respect to the breakage portion 15 itself: the concavities of the respective seats 19 are opposite to each other and face respective abutment portions 11 of the store 2. With reference to the first hooking portion 13, on the contrary it is possible to observe that the concavity of the seat 19 in the breakage portion 15, under the first closure condition of the container 1, faces the concavity of the seat 23 of the respective undercut portion 20 of the first portion 13.

As hereinbefore described, the first and second hooking portions 13, 14 of the safety device 12 are configured for defining a first closure condition substantially defined by the first engagement/coupling of said portions. Before the first closure condition, the first hooking portion 13 is disposed outside the internal volume 3 while the second hooking portion 14 lies inside the store 2 (this condition is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10). Then, the closure system 7 is guided for the first time inside the store 2 as illustrated in Figures from 3 to 5 for example: during such step, the system 7 is configured for defining the closure condition of the container 1 and at the same time there is the first reciprocal engagement of the first and second hooking portions 13, 14 of the safety device 12. De facto, during the first closure condition of the container 1, the hook 18 of the breakage portion 15 engages the hook 22 of the first portion 13. Still more particularly, during the first closure condition, the body of the sheet material of the first hooking portion 13 is configured for sliding, initially behind the breakage portion (the breakage portion 15 is interposed between the first hooking portion 13 and a lateral wall of the store 2) for then crossing the seat 19 and interposing between the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 and the second hooking portion 14. As an alternative, the hooking portion can initially slide in front of the breakage portion 15 and then can cross the seat 19: under such condition, the second portion 14 is interposed between the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 and the first hooking portion 13.

The first closure condition of the container 1 is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 12B. In such condition, the hook 18 of the breakage portion 15 abuts and is stably engaged with the hook 22 of the first portion 13: under such condition, the first portion 13 is completely inserted inside the seat 17 of the breakage portion 15 and the respective undercuts 16 and 20 define a stable engagement condition between the portions 13 and 14. As hereinbefore specified, the store 2 can comprise the control opening 24; when such opening is present, is supported by the lateral wall 4 (the front lateral wall) parallel to and directly contacting the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12; advantageously, the control opening 24 is disposed at the breakage portion 15 of the safety device 12 and at the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8.

The control opening 24 is configured for enabling to display the breakage portion 15, particularly of the first surface 15 a, before the first opening condition of the container 1 (during the first closure condition of the container 1); the control opening 24 is further configured for enabling to display the inserting portion 10, particularly the second surface 10 b, after the first opening of the closure system 7 (of the container 1) for giving a visual evidence of a tamper of the container 1. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the control opening 24 is configured for enabling to display the breakage portion 15 from the outside and/or for enabling to display the correct engagement (arming) of the safety device 12 and particularly the correct insertion/engagement of the first portion 13 into the second portion 14 and therefore the correct arming of the device 12.

Moreover, it is pointed out that constraining the breakage portion 15 to the first hooking portion 13 defines a stable engagement between the store 2 and closure system 7 which opposes the opening of the container 1—the user when opening the container for the first time, detects a relevant resistance to the opening—this proves the container has never been opened for the first time. The safety device 12, during the first opening condition, is configured for enabling to detach the breakage portion 15 from the second hooking portion 14. The first opening condition is illustrated in FIG. 6 for example: during the first opening of the system 7, the first hooking portion 13 grips the breakage portion 15 (the hooks 18 and 22 are gripped) and tears away it from the second portion 14.

Following the first opening condition, the device 12 is capable of giving an evidence of a tamper because the system 7 is easily opened: the user does not detect, when opening, an opposition on the inserting portion 10 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 wherein it is evident the absence of the breakage portion 15). Moreover, following the first opening condition, the control opening 24 enables to display the inserting portion 10 in place of the breakage portion 15 (as an alternative, it enables to display the internal volume of the store 2): in such condition, the user can easily become aware of the tamper of the container 1 without opening the same. Advantageously, it is possible to differentiate the surfaces 15 a and 10 b respectively of the breakage portion 15 and inserting portion 10 in order to make easier to distinguish said surfaces and emphasize the evidence of a tamper. For example, it is possible to provide two different colors for the surfaces 15 a and 10 b: in this way the user can be aware of the tamper of the container 1 just by seeing the color of the inserting portion 10 rather than on the breakage portion 15.

Moreover, the safety device 12 can comprise, in a non-limiting way, at least one breakage portion 15 configured for defining, following the first closure condition, a tactilely perceivable projection 25 (Figures from 10 to 12) emerging from the store 2 and/or from the closure system 7: such breakage portion 15, with the projection 25, is configured for separating from the store 2 and/or closure system 7 following a first opening of the system 7 after a first closure condition for giving evidence of a tamper of the container 1.

More particularly, the projection 25 of the breakage portion 15, under the first closure condition of the closure system 7 and before the first opening of the system 7 (and therefore of the container 1), lies on a plane parallel to the inserting portion 10 and projects from the free edge 6 of the store 2, particularly transversally to the closure portion 9. Still more particularly, the projection 25, in the first closure condition of the closure system 7 and before opening the system 7, is configured for being placed at the indentation 27 and emerging besides this latter and/or besides the free edge 6 of the store 2.

De facto, the projection 25, in the first closure condition of the closure system 7 and before the first opening condition of this latter, is configured for remaining substantially flush with the closure portion 9 of the tab 8 or is configured for emerging transversally to said closure portion 9; anyway, the projection 25, in both the configurations, is adapted to be tactilely perceivable so that the same can be distinguished from the closure portion 9, of the free edge 6 and from the indentation 27.

From the geometrical point of view, the projection 25 exhibits, along a front view normal to the lying plane of the projection itself, a shape selected in the group comprised among: triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, semicircular, elliptical shapes. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the container 1, the projection 25 exhibits, along a front view normal to the lying plane of the projection 25 itself, a tapered shape, particularly a triangular shape, extending from the free edge 6 of the store 2: the tapered shape of the projection 25 is configured for promoting the tactile perception of the same during the first closure condition of the closure system 7 and before the first closure condition of this latter. The tapered shape and the height of the projection 25 with respect to at least the free edge 6 of the store 2, enable to easily and quickly tactilely perceive the projection itself for example by sliding a finger on the closure portion 9 of the tab 8.

More particularly, the projection 25 supported by the breakage portion 15, under the first closure condition of the device 7 and before the first opening condition of this latter, is distanced and disposed oppositely to the gripping edge 17 with respect to the breakage portion 15; particularly the projection 25 emerges oppositely to the gripping edge with respect to the breakage portion 15 and, as hereinbefore described, from the free edge 6 of the store 2.

The second portion 14, in the first closing step of the system 7 and before the first opening step of this latter, remains completely inside the volume 3 with the breakage portion 15: only the projection 25 of the breakage portion 15 emerges at least partially from the volume 3 and particularly besides the free edge 6 of the store 2.

It is useful to observe that the breakage portion 15, based on the mode of inserting the portion 13, can be interposed between the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 and the second hooking portion (this condition is illustrated in FIG. 6A) or can be placed inside the volume 3 behind the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8 (this condition is illustrated in FIG. 12B). When the breakage portion 15 is positioned between the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 and the inserting portion 10 of the tab 8, the projection 25, in the first closure condition of the device 7 and before the first opening condition of the container 1, emerges from the free edge 6 between the tab 8 and the lateral wall 4 of the store 2 directly facing the inserting portion 10 (FIG. 12A). On the contrary, when the breakage portion 15 is placed behind the inserting portion 10, the projection 25 is configured for being placed inside the through opening 26 of the tab 8; preferably, in such condition, the projection 25 crosses at least partially the through opening 26 for emerging from the free edge 6 of the store 2 and possibly also from the closure portion 9 of the tab 8 (FIGS. 12B, 21).

As hereinbefore described, the store 2 can further comprise an indentation 27 which aids the projection 25 in emerging from the free edge 6 following the first closure condition and before the first opening: the indentation 27 is adapted to enable both to display and tactilely perceive the projection 25.

De facto, due to the presence of the projection 25, the safety device 12—besides making possible to check the tamper of the container 1—can give the proof of the first opening because of the failed tactile perception of the projection 25; in this way, sight-impaired people can verify if the container is tampered.

As hereinbefore described, the projection 25 is configured for emerging from the free edge 6 of the store 2 (or also only from the indentation 27 and/or from the through opening 26). In the first closure condition of the system 7 and before the first opening step of this latter, the projection 25 is supported by the breakage portion 15 which is also placed inside the store: in such condition, the projection 25 emerges from the free edge 6 and is easily tactilely perceivable. Following the first opening of the system 7 and therefore of the container 1, the breakage portion 15 is detached from the container 1 and with it also the projection 25 is no more tactilely perceivable. The absence of the projection 25 can immediately prove the container is tampered also without a visual evidence.

FIGS. 10, 11, 17 and 18 illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a safety device 12 further comprising a control portion 28 of sheet material directly supported by the store 2; the control portion 28 is configured for being placed, following the first closure of the system 7 and before the first opening of this latter, behind the inserting portion 10 so that the same is interposed between said control portion 28 and the lateral wall 4 (particularly the front wall 4 a) of the store 2, directly abutting against the inserting portion 10.

In such condition, the control portion 28 is completely contained inside the store 2 and directly covered by the breakage portion 15. The top of the control portion 28 is configured for staying inside the volume 3 at the free edge 6 of the store 2. The control portion 28 is configured for being placed, following the first opening condition of the container 1, behind the inserting portion 10 so that the same is interposed between said control portion 28 and the front lateral wall 4 a of the store 2 abutting against the inserting portion 10; in such condition, the control portion 28 is completely contained inside the store and faces the through opening 26 of the closure system 7. Advantageously, an exposed surface of the control portion 28 can be of a color different from the one of the store 2 and/or of the closure system so that the user—without the breakage portion 15—can immediately be aware of the lack of the portion 15 due to the color of the portion 18, so that he/she can know that the container 1 is tampered.

In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the control portion 28 is supported, in a non-limiting way, directly by the store 2 and comprises a sheet lying parallel to the second hooking portion 14; particularly, the control portion 28 in a non-limiting way, is integrally joined and parallel to the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12 (FIG. 12B).

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the device 12 (portions 13, 14 and 15) is completely made of a paper sheet material (paper or paperboard); particularly, the used paper sheet material for making the device 12 is the same sheet material used for making the store 2 and closure system 7.

It is useful to observe that the above described solution represents a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the container 1. De facto, the breakage portion 15 could indistinctly form at least part of the first and/or second hooking portions 13, 14. For example, the breakage portion 15 could define the respective undercut 20 and therefore the hook 22 of the first hooking portion 13: in this case, during the first opening of the container, the breakage portion 15 could be arranged for being detached from the first portion 13. As hereinbefore described, it is not excluded the possibility of defining at least one breakage portion 15 of the first hooking portion 13 and at least one breakage portion on the second hooking portion 14.

As it is visible in the attached figures, the container 1 further comprises an electric circuit 30 defined at least partially on the safety device 12: the electric circuit 30 is configured for changing at least one property detectable after the first opening of the closure system 7 (first opening of the system 7 after a first closure condition of the system 7 itself) for giving evidence of a tamper of the container. More particularly, the electric circuit 30 is configured for changing at least one of an electric property and a physical property.

For example, in case of an electric property, this latter can comprise, for example, the resistance and/or impedance of the electric circuit 30. In this case, the electric circuit 30 can change the resistance and/or impedance following the first opening of the system for giving evidence of the tamper of the container 1.

The physical property can on the contrary comprise an electric continuity between two points of the electric circuit 30: the discontinuity, particularly an interruption, in the circuit 30 can define a proof of a performed opening (first opening) of the closure system 7 and therefore of a tamper of the container 1.

The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the electric circuit wherein the variation of such circuit 30 is defined by interrupting the same. In such configuration, the electric circuit 30 is configured for enabling—following a first closure of the closure system 7 and before a first opening of this latter—the passage of a signal, particularly an electric signal representative of a closure condition of said electric circuit 30 and therefore for transmitting a signal indicative of the first closure condition of the closure system 7. Moreover, the electric circuit 30 is configured for defining, following a first opening of the closure system 7, at least one interruption point of the electric circuit 30 itself adapted to prevent the passage of a signal representative of a closure condition of the circuit itself: the electric circuit 30, following the first opening of the closure system 7, is configured for giving evidence of a tamper of the container 1 by means of a failed passage and transmission of said signal.

As it is visible in the attached figures, the electric circuit 30 comprises a circuit line 33 extending partially on the breakage portion 15 and, particularly seamlessly, at least partially on at least one selected in the group between: the store 2, the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12.

The interruption of the electric circuit 30 is caused by the separation of the breakage portion 15 from the store 2 and/or from the closure system 7 following the first opening of the closure system 7 itself; as hereinbefore specified, the circuit line 33 is defined at least partially on the breakage portion 15: the separation of such portion 15 generates the consequent breakage of such line 33 and consequently the interruption of the electric circuit 30.

More particularly, the electric circuit 30 is configured for exhibiting, following a first closure of the closure system 7 and before a first opening of this latter, a circuit line 33 which seamlessly extends on the breakage portion 15 and on at least one of: the store 2, the safety device 12. Following a first opening of the closure system 7, the circuit line 33 is interrupted and consequently the electric circuit 30 is interrupted so that the container can give evidence of a performed tamper of the same.

Still more particularly and as it is visible in FIGS. 2 and 4 for example, the circuit line 33 extends—before the first opening of the closure system 7—seamlessly between a first and second end portions 31, 32. The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, wherein both the end portions of the electric circuit are not defined on the breakage portion 15; as it will be better described in the following, such end portions are for example defined both on the store 2 (see FIGS. 1, 10-12, for example) or are both defined on the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12, in the internal volume 3 of the store 2.

Obviously, it is not excluded the possibility of making an electric circuit wherein at least one of said end portions 31, 32 is defined on the breakage portion 15.

The first and second end portions 31, 32 are electrically connected (joined to each other) only by the circuit line 33; following the first opening of the closure system 7, the circuit line 33 is configured for breaking (a portion of the line 33 is defined on the breakage portion 15 which, following the first opening, separates from the store 2 and/or closure system 7): under such condition, the first and second end portions are not electrically connected to each other and therefore can give evidence of a performed tamper of the container.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the container wherein the end portions are defined on the external surface 2 b of the store; since the end portion 15 is placed inside the store 2, the circuit line 33 extends on such breakage portion 15 inside the store 2, on the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12 and then extends on the store 2. Particularly, following the development of the circuit line 33 from the first end portion 31, it is possible to observe that the same extends partially on the external surface 2 b of the store 2, then enters—seamlessly—the internal volume 3 and particularly develops on the safety device 12; particularly, the circuit line 33 extends on the second hooking portion 14 and—always continuously—crosses at least part of the breakage portion 15. From the breakage portion 15, the circuit line 33 continuously returns on the second hooking portion 14 and—always seamlessly—on the external surface 2 b of the store 2.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the end portions 31, 32, defined on the external surface 2 b of the store, are distinct and distanced from each other, and electrically connected—before the first opening of the closure system 7—only by means of the circuit line 33 in order to define a first and second electric contacts, respectively. Said first and second contacts (end portions) are configured for electrically connecting a detecting device which is configured for detecting the state of the electric circuit and particularly the electric connection between said end portions 31, 32. More particularly, said first and second contacts are configured for transmitting to said detecting device (for example a handheld device)—following a first closure of the system 7 and before a first opening of the system 7—a signal representative of a closure condition of said electric circuit 30, particularly for confirming the presence of said breakage portion 15. The detecting device, following the reception of the closure signal of the circuit 30 by this latter, is configured for confirming the presence of the breakage portion and therefore the integrity of the container 1. Moreover, the contacts are configured for not transmitting any type of signal—following a first opening of the closure system 7 following a first closure of this latter—for giving evidence of the absence of the breakage portion 15 and therefore for giving evidence of a tamper of the container 1. The detecting device is configured for signaling the performed tamper of the container when the electric circuit 30 does not receive any signal: the electric circuit 30, when the breakage portion 30 is absent, is interrupted and therefore is uncapable of transmitting signals to the detecting device.

As hereinbefore described, the container 1 is made of a sheet material, particularly inside is made of a paper sheet material. The electric circuit 30 can be for example made on the container 1 by means of a printing step, for example by means of an offset-type print.

In an embodiment variant illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, moreover the electric circuit 30 can comprise a control unit 34 connected to the circuit line 33 for defining with this latter—following the first closure of the system 7 and before the first opening of this latter—a closed-type circuit. De facto, the end portions of the electric circuit 30 are electrically connected to the control unit 34.

In an embodiment, the control unit 34 can comprise, for example, a passive RFID circuit, deprived of a power supply and detectable by a suitable reader; for example, the RFID circuit could be printed with the circuit line on the container 1. The RFID circuit is configured for giving evidence of a variation of at least one between an electric property and a physical property of the electric circuit following the first opening of the closure system 7. For example, the RFID circuit (control unit 34) is configured for detecting the closure of the electric circuit 30 and for transmitting a signal representative of the closure of said circuit to a suitable device: in such condition, the electric circuit could give evidence of the presence of the breakage portion 15 and therefore of the integrity of the circuit 30. On the contrary, following the first opening of the closure system 7, as hereinbefore described, the breakage portion 15 would be torn away and therefore the electric circuit 30 would be opened. In such circumstance, the electric circuit 30 would not be capable of transmitting any type of signal due to the interruption of the circuit: the failed reception of a signal by the dedicated reader, would enable to give evidence of a performed tamper of the circuit: the RFID circuit is configured for operating only when the circuit 30 is intact, so that a tamper is shown only when the circuit itself is not detected.

An embodiment variant could provide, acting as the control unit 34, a semi-passive or active RFID circuit; in comparison with the passive RFID circuit, the active circuit requires a power supply possibly directly integrated in the circuit itself. The active RFID circuit could be configured for detecting additional information regarding the container 1 (the number of performed openings, for example) or regarding the product contained in it (for example the type of the product, the expiration date of the product, etcetera): moreover, the RFID circuit is configured for transmitting said information to a dedicated reader.

A further embodiment variant could provide, acting as the control unit 34, an actual chip or in any case electronic elements of different types enabling to perform operations such as, for example: differently lighting a series of LEDs and/or emitting sounds and/or recording information such as date and hour of the performed tamper. Also in this case, the power supply can be external or integrated into the circuit according to the requirements.

Following the first opening of the container (the breakage portion 15 is separated) there are the conditions so that the circuit could show and/or record a tamper.

The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the container 1 wherein the control unit 34 is defined on the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12, in other words inside the store 2.

2. Second Embodiment of the Container 1

In a second embodiment of the container illustrated in Figures from 20 to 24, this latter comprises a store 2 and a closure system 7 as hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment of the container 1.

In the second embodiment thereof, the container can comprise at least one electric circuit 30 connected to the store 2 and at least partially defined on the closure system 7; the electric circuit 30 is configured for determining at least one between an electric property and a physical property of the electric circuit 30 itself following at least one first closure of the closure system 7. Based on the detected property, the electric circuit 30 is configured for determining the occurrence of a first closure of the closure system 7 and possibly a first opening of the system 7 for determining a performed tamper state of the container 1.

More particularly, the electric property comprises at least one selected in the group between: the resistance of the electric circuit 30, the impedance of the electric circuit 30. If the circuit 30 is configured for determining a physical property of the same, this latter can comprise at least one selected in the group among:

-   -   an opening state of the circuit 30,     -   a closure state of the circuit 30,     -   a number of openings of the electric circuit 30 following a         first closure of the circuit 30 itself,     -   a number of closures of the circuit 30.

De facto, the electric circuit 30 is configured for determining the number of performed closures of the closure system 7. The electric circuit 30 is configured for determining a tamper condition of the container 1 as a function of a predetermined relationship between:

-   -   a reference parameter, and     -   at least one between said electric and physical properties of         the electric circuit 30 itself, determined by the electric         circuit 30 itself following at least one first closure of the         closure system 7.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the electric circuit 30 is configured for:

-   -   determining a predetermined number of closures of the closure         system 7,     -   determining a tamper condition of the container 1 in case the         electric circuit 30 itself should determine a number of closures         of the closure system 7 greater than 1.

From the structural point of view, the electric circuit 30 comprises a first end contact 35 defined on the closure system 7 which is configured for cooperating with a second end contact 36 connected to the store 2; particularly, said second end contact 36 is adapted to contact the first end contact 35 in a closure condition of the closure system 7 for defining a closure of the electric circuit 30 (see FIGS. 23 and 24, for example). The first and second end contacts 35, 36 are electrically connected to each other—both in the closure condition and opening condition of the closure system 7—by a circuit line 33. De facto, the first and second end contacts 35, 36 are always connected to each other by means of said line 33. As it is visible in the attached figures, the electric circuit 30 further comprises a control unit 34 active on the circuit line 33 and configured for:

-   -   determining the electric contact, particularly a direct one,         between the first and second end contacts 35, 36 and therefore         the closure of the electric circuit 30,     -   determining the number of closures of the electric circuit 30,     -   determining a tamper condition of the electric circuit 30 when         the number of closures of the electric circuit 30, particularly         the closure of the closure system 7, is greater than 1.

As hereinbefore specified, the contacts 35 and 36 are always electrically communicating with each other by means of the circuit line 33; the above cited step of electrically (directly) contacting refers to a direct abutment of the first and second contacts in other words an abutment of the first contact 35 against the second contact 36: in the condition of an electric (direct) contact, the first and second contacts 35, 36 are configured for closing the electric circuit 30.

As hereinbefore described, the store 2 of sheet material extends between an internal surface 2 a delimiting the internal volume 3 and an external surface 2 b—opposite to the internal surface 2 a—which outwardly delimits the store 2; the closure system 7 of sheet material also extends between a first and second surfaces respectively seamlessly joined to the internal and external surfaces 2 a, 2 b of the store 2: the closure system 7—in the closure condition—is at least partially inserted into the internal volume 3 of the store 2. As it is visible in FIGS. 23 and 24, for example, the first end contact 35 is defined on the second surface of the closure system 7 (seamlessly with the external surface 2 b of the store 2) while the second end contact 36 is defined inside the store 2. The first and second end contacts 35, 36—under the closure condition of the closure system 7—are configured for defining an electric contact for closing the electric circuit 30.

As it is visible in FIG. 24, the container comprises at least one abutment portion 37 integrally joined to the free edge 6 of the store 2 and folded into the internal volume 3 of this latter; the abutment portion 37 is made of a sheet material and extends in thickness between a first and second surfaces respectively seamlessly joined to the internal and external surfaces 2 a, 2 b of the store 2. The closure system 7 is adapted to abut against the abutment portion 37 inside the store 2; the second end contact 36 is defined on the second surface of the abutment portion seamlessly with the external surface 2 b of the store: the first end contact 35 is defined on the second surface of the closure system 7 in continuity also with the external surface of the store 2. Since the portion 37 is folded inside the store 2, it enables this latter to support the second end terminal 36 on the surface seamlessly with the external surface 2 a of the store 2, and therefore electrically seamlessly connected to the first end contact 35 by the circuit line 33. Specifically, the circuit line 33 extends—seamlessly—on the following surfaces: second surface of the abutment portion 37, external surface 2 b of the store 2, second surface of the closure system 7.

Advantageously but in a non-limiting way, the container 1—in the second embodiment thereof—can comprise a safety device 12 as hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment of the container 1. In this configuration, the folded abutment portion 37 is defined by the second hooking portion 14 of the safety device 12. The second contact 36 is particularly defined on the second surface 14 b of the second hooking portion 14; on the contrary the first contact is defined on the second surface 10 b, 13 b of the inserting portion 10 and/or of the first hooking portion 13. Introducing the inserting portion into the store enables to define the closure condition of the system 7, to arm the container and therefore to define a direct electric contact (abutment) of the first end contact 35 with the second end contact 36.

Still from a structural point of view, the control unit 34 can advantageously comprise an integrated device, particularly of a programmable type, optionally a chip, or anyway electric elements of different type which enable to perform operations such as for example: differently lighting a series of LEDs and/or emitting sounds and/or recording information about the closure system such as for example the number of closures of the system 7. In this case, the power supply could be external or integrated in the circuit according to the requirements. After the first closure of the container, there are the conditions so that the circuit gives evidence of and/or records a tamper of the container 1.

Advantageously, the control unit 34 comprises a memory connected to or integrated in the integrated device, a power supply connected to the integrated device and/or memory. Optionally, the control unit 34 can further comprise a transmission device (a RF transmitter, for example) connected to the integrated device and/or memory which is configured for transmitting a signal representative of at least one of said electric and physical properties of the electric circuit 30; particularly, the transmission device is configured for transmitting the number of closures of the closure system 7 for signaling a possible tamper condition of the container 1.

In an embodiment variant, the control unit 34 can for example comprise a semi-passive or active RFID circuit capable of storing information regarding the container (the number of performed openings, the number of closures, etcetera, for example) or regarding the product contained in it (for example the type of product, the expiration date of the product, etcetera) and transmitting said information to a dedicated reader.

3. Third Embodiment of the Container

In a third embodiment of the container, this latter comprises the store 2, closure system 7 and safety device as described with reference to the first embodiment of the container 1. In the third embodiment, the container comprises an electric circuit 30 as described for the first and second embodiments of the container. De facto, in the third embodiment thereof, the container 1 comprises one or more electric circuits 30, for example at least one circuit 30 configured for signaling a tamper of the container 1 following the separation of the breakage portion 15, and at least one circuit 30 configured for signaling the tamper of the container if it is detected a number of closures of the system 7 greater than 1.

4. Fourth Embodiment of the Container 1

In a fourth embodiment of the container 1, not illustrated in the attached figures, this latter comprises only the store 2 and closure system 7 as hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment of the container; in the fourth embodiment the container does not exhibit a safety device 12 as hereinbefore described with reference to the first and second embodiments.

De facto, in the fourth embodiment of the container 1, the safety device 12 comprises a label of sheet material made at least partially of a paper and/or plastic materials: the label is engageable outwardly the container 1 following the first closure condition of this latter and particularly of the system 7. Still considering the first closure condition of the container 1 and before the first opening condition of the same, the label comprises at least one constrain portion engaged with the closure system 7—particularly with the closure portion 9 of the label 8—and at least one second constrain portion engaged with the lateral wall 4 of the store and particularly to the wall which, in the closure condition of the system 7, directly faces and abuts against the inserting portion 10. Advantageously, the first and second constrain portions are glued outside the container 1.

Moreover, the label comprises at least one breakage portion 15 configured for separating from at least one between said closure system 7 and store 2 following a first opening of the closure system 7 or when somebody tries to remove the label from the container 1. More specifically, the breakage portion 15 is a portion of the label configured for causing the same to be broken when somebody tries to remove the label of the container or when somebody tries to open for the first time the closure system 7.

The label, engaging the outside of the container 1, defines a “L” outline; the first constrain portion is in contact with the second surface 9 b of the closure portion 9 while the second constrain portion—integrally joined to the first constrain portion—is in contact with the second surface 2 b of the store 2.

If the breakage portion 15 is disposed on the label, the electric circuit 30 can be completely defined on the label, at least partially on the breakage portion 15. As an alternative, the electric circuit 30 can exhibit a circuit line 33 crossing the label, particularly the breakage portion of the label, and exhibits the first and second end portions defined on the store 2 and/or on the closure system.

In an embodiment of the label, this latter can further comprise at least one projection 25 supported by the breakage portion 15: the projection emerges from the store 2 and/or closure system 7 and therefore is tactilely perceivable, for example, by sliding a hand on the container 1. The projection 25 can for example emerge transversally, particularly normal to, the closure portion 9 and exhibit one of the hereinbefore described shapes (for example a triangular, square, rectangular, semicircular shape).

The breakage portion 15 of the label, with the projection 25, is only engaged with said first and second constrain portions by means of weakening lines which form pre-cut weakening portions of the labels. In other words, the breakage portion 15 (with the projection 25) is not directly constrained to the container 1 but is engaged only with the first and second constrain portions.

The breakage portion 15, with the projection 25, is configured for separating from the first and second constrain portions following the first opening of the closure system 7 or following an attempt of removing the label itself for giving evidence of a tamper of the container 1.

More particularly, during the first opening of the system 7, the constrain portions are configured for remaining engaged (glued) with the store 2 and closure portion 9; the breakage portion 15 is not directly constrained to the store 2 and system 7: the weakening lines present on the label around the breakage portion 15 cause the label to break and separate said breakage portion 15 from the respective constrain portions. As hereinbefore described, the breakage portion 15 supports the projection 25 which since is separated from the label, is no more tactilely perceivable: following the first opening of the container, therefore the label gives evidence of a tamper also to a sight-impaired person due to a failed perception of the projection 25.

5. Fifth Embodiment of the Container 1

In a fifth embodiment of the container 1 not illustrated in the attached figures, this latter only comprises the store 2 and closure system 7 as hereinbefore described with reference to the first embodiment of the container; in the fifth embodiment, the container does not exhibit a safety device 12 as described with reference to the first and second embodiments.

In the fifth embodiment, the breakage portion 15 is part of the front wall 4 a of the store 2, for example is disposed at the free edge 6.

In such configuration, the inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7—in the first closure condition of the system 7—is fixed for example by gluing it to the breakage portion 15. The electric circuit 30, as for the hereinbefore described first and second embodiments, is defined at least partially on the breakage portion 15, particularly a portion of the circuit line 33 is defined on the breakage portion 15: the circuit line 33 is particularly defined partially on the portion 15 and partially on the store 2.

The breakage portion 15—following the first closure of the system 7—is fixed to this latter system 7; following the first opening of the container 1, the breakage portion 15 separates from the store 2 and consequently the electric circuit 30 is interrupted. Due to the interruption of the electric circuit 30, the container 1 can give evidence of a performed tamper.

Process of Making a Tamper-Evident Container

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention a process of making a container 1 according to one or more of the attached claims and/or according to the above given description.

First of all, the process comprises providing the store 2 which, as hereinbefore described, is made of a sheet material, optionally a paper material. Particularly, such step comprises providing at least one first sheet 51 including at least one first and one second portions 52, 54 interconnected by a central connecting portion 53. Moreover, the first sheet 51 comprises at least one first and one second lateral connecting portions 55, 56. As it is visible in FIGS. 13 and 25 for example, the central connecting portion 53 is interposed between the first and second portions 52, 54, the first portion 52 is interposed between the first lateral connecting portion 55 and the central connecting portion 53 while the second portion 54 is interposed between the second lateral connecting portion 56 and the central connecting portion 53. Each of said portions 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 comprises at least two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite end edges: the portions 52, 54, the central connecting portion 53 and said lateral connecting portions 55, 56 are joined along the longitudinal edges and aligned along a single connecting direction.

In a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the invention, the first portion 52 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape perimetrally delimited by a lower edge 52 a, a first and second lateral edges 52 b, 52 c and an upper edge 52 d. In the same way, the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51 exhibits a rectangular shape perimetrally delimited by a lower edge 54 a, a first and second lateral edges 54 b, 54 c, and an upper edge 54 d.

Advantageously, the first and second portions 52, 54 comprise a sheet having substantially the same shape and size. The central portion 53 and lateral connecting portions 55, 56 also exhibit a rectangular shape; such portions substantially exhibit the same shape and/or size and are integrally joined to the portions 52 and 54 of the first sheet at the lateral edges. The step of providing the store 2 comprises a step of folding the first sheet 51 at the lateral edges of the portions 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56 so that it is possible to join the lateral connecting portions 55, 56. For maintaining the store 2 in the folded 3-D shape, the process can comprise, in a non-limiting way, applying a predetermined quantity of glue on the longitudinal connecting portions 55, 56 adapted to abut against to each other: joining said portions enables to block the store 2 in the folded configuration.

It is useful to specify that the step of providing the first sheet 51 can comprise a step of crushing which enables to define on the same sheet folding lines coinciding with the longitudinal lateral edges of the portions of said first sheet 51. De facto, the steps of folding the portions of the first sheet are performed just along the longitudinal lateral edges of said portions which are crushed for promoting the movement (folding) thereof.

The step of providing the first sheet 51 moreover comprises at least one step of forming on the same sheet 51 at least one through notch 69 disposed on the first and/or second portions 52, 54 and which is configured for defining said control opening 24. The notch 69 is substantially performed at the lower and/or upper edges of at least one of said portions 52, 54. The step of providing the first sheet 51 moreover comprises at least one step of forming on the same sheet 51 at least one through groove 75 (see FIGS. 13 and 25, for example) disposed on the first and/or second portions 52, 54 which is configured for defining the indentation 27. The groove 75 is substantially made at the lower and/or upper edges of at least one of said portions 52, 54. Advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, the groove 75 is made on the same sheet portion on which the notch 69 is defined and particularly on this latter. Particularly, the through groove 75 is defined on at least one transversal edge of the first or second portion 52, 54 of the first sheet 51. The through groove 75 defines an open profile having a substantially “C” shape (FIG. 13), or a “U” shape (FIG. 13), or a “V” shape. Advantageously, the first sheet 51 is completely made of paper material, exhibiting a grammage comprised between 100 and 500 g/m², particularly comprised between 300 and 400 g/m².

Moreover, the process comprises the step of providing the closure system 7. Such step comprises providing at least one second sheet 57, advantageously, integrally joined to the first sheet 51, particularly at an end edge of the first and/or second portions 52, 54 of the first sheet 51 (FIGS. 13 and 25). The second sheet 57 comprises at least one first and one second portions 58, 59 integrally joined to each other: the first portion 58 of the second sheet 57 is connected to the first sheet 51 so that said first portion 58 is interposed between the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57 and the first sheet 51. The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the invention by which two second sheets 57 engaged to the first sheet 51 and disposed oppositely to this latter are provided. The second sheet 57 is for example directly connected to the upper edge 52 d and/or lower edge 52 a of the portion 52 of the first sheet 51. FIGS. 13 and 25 illustrate, in a non-limiting way, an embodiment wherein two sheets 57 are formed on the lower and upper edges 52 a, 52 d of the portion 52. Advantageously, the second sheet 57 is formed in one piece with the first sheet for defining a single sheet; particularly, also the second sheet 57 is made of paper material, particularly of a paper material sheet having substantially the same features of the first sheet 51.

The step of providing the second sheet 57 can further comprise at least one step of forming on the same a through notch 74 (FIGS. 13 and 25) which is adapted to define the through opening 26 of the closure system 7. The through notch 74 can be defined on the first and/or second portions 58, 59 of the second sheet 57; in a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the notch 74 is partially defined on the first and partially on the second portions 58, 59 of the second sheet 57 seamlessly for defining a single closed-outline notch. Still more particularly, the through notch 74 defines a closed perimetral outline exhibiting at least one selected in the group of the following shapes: square, rectangular, diamond, circular, elliptical, semicircular, triangular shape. The attached figures illustrate a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention wherein the notch exhibits a rectangular shape.

Further, the process provides the steps of folding the first and second portions 58, 59 of the second sheet 57 for respectively forming the closure portion 9 and inserting portion 10 of the closure system 7. The step of providing the closure system 7 can further comprise a sub-step of providing at least one sheet 60 exhibiting at least one portion 61 connected to at least one central and/or lateral connecting portions of the first sheet 51 and emerging from this latter from the same side from which the second sheet 57 emerges. Advantageously, the sheet 60 comprises four portions 61 integrally joined to the first sheet 51. Two portions 61 are connected to the central portion 53 and emerge from this latter oppositely to each other along respective end edges (emerging from the first sheet 51 from the same side from which the second sheet 57 emerges).

Two further portions 61 are connected to the longitudinal connecting portion 55 or 56 and emerge from this latter oppositely to each other along respective end edges (emerging from the first sheet 51 from the same side from which the second sheet 57 emerges). Each portion 61 is made of a flat sheet material, particularly of a paper sheet material, and exhibits a substantially square or trapezoidal shape. Advantageously, also the third sheet 60 is made of a paper material, particularly of a paper sheet material having substantially the same characteristics of the first and second sheets 51, 57. The process comprises the step of folding—particularly following the folding step of the first sheet—the portion 61 of the sheet 60 towards the internal volume of the store for forming the abutment portion 11 of the container 1.

In case of a process of making a container 1 according to the first above described embodiment, the process comprises providing the safety device 12 which comprises at least the sub-step of providing a third sheet 62 comprising at least one portion 63 integrally joined to the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57. The portion 63 of the third sheet 62 is also made of a sheet material, particularly of a paper sheet material, and longitudinally emerges from the second sheet 57 oppositely to the first sheet 51: the portion 63 of the third sheet 62 is configured for defining the first hooking portion 13 of the container 1. The attached figures illustrate, in a non-limiting way, a configuration of the third sheet 62 which is directly connected (emerging away from) to the second portion 59 of the second sheet 57.

More particularly, the step of forming the portion 63 of the third sheet 62 provides at least the following sub-steps:

-   -   forming, as an extension to the second portion 59 of the second         sheet 57, a flat sheet substantially parallel to the second         sheet 57, the extension sheet emerges from the second portion 59         oppositely to the first portion 59 of the second sheet 57;     -   forming at least one undercut 71 adapted to define the first         hooking portion 13 of the container 1.

The undercut 71 substantially defines, on the fourth sheet, a seat configured for defining the undercut 20 of the first hooking portion 13. Advantageously, the step of forming the extension comprises forming at least two undercuts 71 opposite to each other with respect to the third sheet 62 itself and which are configured for defining respective undercuts 20 of the first hooking portion 13. As hereinbefore described, also the third sheet 62 is made of a paper material, particularly of a paper sheet material having substantially the same characteristics as the first, second and third sheets 51, 57, 60.

The step of providing the safety device 12 further comprises at least the sub-step of providing a fourth sheet 64 comprising at least one portion 65 integrally joined to the first sheet 51. In a non-limiting configuration of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 25, the fourth sheet 64 emerges laterally from the first sheet 51 besides the portion 55: this latter portion is interposed between the fourth sheet 64 and portion 52 of the first sheet 51. In such configuration, the process, during the step of forming the store 2, comprises folding the portion 65 of the fourth sheet 64, for defining said second hooking portion 14, immediately after the step of folding the longitudinal portion 55: in this way, following the next step of folding the portions 53, 54 and 56, the fourth sheet 64 is positioned inside the store 2. The step of folding the portion 65 of the fourth sheet 64, for defining said second hooking portion 14, can be performed before, during or after the step of forming the store 2. Anyway, following the step of folding the portion 65, this latter is configured for being disposed in the internal volume 3 of the store 2 for defining said hooking portion 14.

The portion 65 of the fourth sheet 64 is also made of a sheet material, particularly of a paper sheet material. More particularly, the step of forming the portion 65 of the fifth sheet 64 comprises at least the following sub-steps:

-   -   forming, as an extension of the first sheet 51, a flat sheet         substantially parallel to the second sheet 57;     -   forming, on said sheet, at least one undercut 70 adapted to         define the second hooking portion 14 of the container 1.

The undercut 70 substantially defines a seat adapted to receive the undercut 71 of the third sheet 62; de facto, the undercut 70 is configured for defining the undercut 16 of the second hooking portion 14. Advantageously, the step of forming the extension comprises the step of forming at least two undercuts 70 opposite to each other and which are configured for defining the respective undercuts 16 of the second hooking portion 14.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the first, second, third, fourth sheets 51, 57, 62, 64 are integrally joined for forming a single sheet blank 50 (this condition is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 25): the sheet blank 50 is at least partially, particularly completely, made of a paper sheet material, optionally the sheet blank 50 exhibits a grammage comprised between 100 and 500 g/m², particularly comprised between 300 and 400 g/m².

Moreover, the process comprises a step of forming, on the portions 63 and/or 65 respectively of the third and fourth sheets 62, 64, at least one further portion 66 integrally joined to said portion 63, 65 by a weakening line 67: the further portion 66 defines the undercuts 70 and/or 71 and is configured for defining the breakage portion 15 of the container 1. This step of forming the further portion 66 substantially comprises a sub-step of crushing and/or notching the third and/or fourth sheets 62, 64 for forming on this latter a weakening line 67 (see FIG. 13, for example) which is adapted to define a portion of the sheet detachable (tearable) from the main body of the sheet. The attached figures illustrate a non-limiting configuration of the invention in which the further portion 66 is supported by the fourth sheet 64 so that, at the end of the steps of crushing and/or notching and then folding the sheets, the breakage portion 15 is supported by the second hooking portion 14 as illustrated in the attached figures showing the container 1. However, as hereinbefore described, the breakage portion 15 can be supported by the first hooking portion 13 or by both the portions 13, 14. The process further comprises forming a number of further portions 66 equal to the number of the second present sheets 57 and therefore equal to the closure systems 7 provided on the container 1. FIGS. 13 and 25 illustrate a preferred but non-limiting configuration of the invention in which there are two third sheets 62, respectively integrally joined to two second sheets 57, for forming first hooking portions 13; therefore, there are at least two further portions 66 supported by a single fourth sheet 64: the portions 66 are configured for defining two breakage portions 15 which are adapted to cooperate with the two respective first hooking portions 13 of the third sheet 62.

The step of providing the safety device 12 further comprises a step of forming, on the package portion 15, the tactilely perceivable projection 25, emerging from the store 2 and/or from the closure system 7: the breakage portion 15, with the projection 25, is configured for separating from the safety device 12 following a first opening condition of the closure system 7 following said first closure condition for giving evidence of a tamper of the container 1. More specifically, the step of providing the further portion 66 comprises the step of forming at least one protuberance 77 emerging from the further portion 66—of the third and/or fourth sheets 62, 64—and disposed oppositely to the undercut 70 of the further portion itself. The protuberance 73 is adapted to define the projection 25 of the breakage portion 15: the projection 25 of the portion 15, following the first closure condition of the container 1, emerges from the free edge 6 of the store 2 and/or from the closure system 7 outside the internal volume 3. De facto, the protuberance 73 is distanced from and opposite to the undercut 70 so that, following the step of folding the fifth sheet inside the store 2, the undercut is completely received in the volume 3 while the projection emerges at least partially from the free edge 6 and/or from the indentation 27. De facto, as hereinbefore described, the projection 25 is distanced from and disposed oppositely to the gripping edge 17 with respect to the portion 15: the projection 25 emerges oppositely to the gripping edge 17 with respect to the breakage portion 15.

Moreover, the process can comprise forming, on the fourth sheet supporting the further portion 66, an additional portion 76 of sheet material foldable above the further portion 66 for defining the control portion 28. De facto, the additional portion 76 is an extension of the portion 66 and defines a substantially end portion of the portion 66. The portion 66 is interposed between the additional portion 76 and the second portion 54 of the first sheet 51; the additional portion 76 is foldable above the portion 54 with the portion 66: then, the additional portion 76 is again folded above the portion 68 so that the cavity 29 of the control portion 28, in the 3-D configuration of the container 1, is placed immediately behind the projection 25.

Advantageously, the sheets are obtained from a single flat sheet, particularly of paper material, which is die-cut for defining the blank 50 comprising the above described sheets 51, 57, 60, 62 and 64. The die-cutting step, besides defining the contour of the blank, is configured for crushing the sheet for perimetrally delimiting the single sheets, for example for defining the connecting end edges of the sheet and along which the following folding steps are made. The die-cutting step further enabling to cut the portion 52 and 54 for defining at least one of the following elements: the control opening 24, the protuberance 73, the notch 74, the groove 75, the undercuts 70 and/or 71.

During the die-cutting step, there is the step of crushing and/or cutting the fourth and/or fifth sheets for defining the weakening line 67 (or the plurality of weakening lines 67) for forming the further portion 66.

The process of making the container 1 in the first embodiment thereof, further comprises the step of defining the circuit 30 on at least part of the fourth sheet 64 and on at least part of the further portion 66 so that at least part of the circuit line crosses the portion 66 which will then define the breakage portion 15. The circuit 30 is disposed on the blank 50 in other words with the configuration by which the sheet 501 is placed flat before the several folding steps. The circuit is defined on the blank 50 (the flat preform) by means of a step of printing, particularly by an offset print, a conductive material on the paper sheet. For example, the conductive material can be implemented by a paint or ink.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the circuit 30 is partially printed on the portion 54 of the first sheet, partially on the second sheet 64 and partially on the portion 66. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the electric circuit 30 exhibits the first and second end portions 31, 32 defined on the portion 54 so that at the end of the folding steps, such portions 31 and 32 are defined on the external surface 2 b of the store 2.

When the circuit 30 further exhibits the control unit 34, this latter can be printed with the circuit line.

With reference to a process of making the container 1 according to the second above described embodiment, the process comprises the step of making, particularly by printing, the circuit 30 (second embodiment) on the first, second and fourth sheets (51, 57 and 64); on the second sheet the first end contact 35 is defined, while on the fourth sheet—outside the portion 66—the second end terminal 36 is defined: the circuit line crosses said sheets (51, 57 and 64) and electrically connects the contacts 35 and 36.

The electric circuit in this second embodiment, comprises the control unit 34 operatively active on the circuit line 33 and which is printed with this latter on the flat sheet blank 50.

Following the step of printing the circuit 30, the single sheet blank 50 is folded as hereinbefore described with reference to the step of forming the store 2, closure system 7 and safety device 12. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tamper-evident container comprising: a housing made of sheet material, defining an internal volume, configured for housing products, and defining an opening delimited by an edge, the opening being configured for communicating the internal volume of the housing with an external environment; a closure made of sheet material, disposed along the edge, and movable with respect to the housing, the closure being configured for defining a closed configuration in which the closure blocks communication between the internal volume of the housing and the external environment, and the closure being configured for defining an open configuration in which the closure permits communication between the internal volume of the housing and the external environment; a safety device engaged with the housing and with the closure, the safety device comprising a breakage portion configured for separating from at least one of the closure and housing following a first opening of the closure; and an electric circuit disposed at least in part on the safety device, the electric circuit being configured for varying one or both of an electric property and a physical property following the first opening of the closure.
 2. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, wherein the electric property comprises one or both of a resistance of the electric circuit and an impedance of the electric circuit, and wherein the physical property comprises an electric continuity between two points of the electric circuit.
 3. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, wherein the electric circuit comprises a circuit line extending partially on the breakage portion, and wherein the electric circuit is configured such that: a circuit line extends seamlessly on the breakage portion and on at least one of the housing and the safety device following a first closing of the closure and before the first opening of the closure, and an interrupted circuit line provides an evidence of a tampering with the container following the first opening of the closure.
 4. The tamper-evident container according to claim 3, wherein the circuit line extends seamlessly between first and second end portions before the first opening of the closure, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions are spaced apart from the breakage portion, and wherein the first and second end portions are electrically disconnected from each other following the first opening of the closure.
 5. The tamper-evident container according to claim 4, wherein the first and second end portions of the electric circuit are spaced apart from the breakage portion, wherein the circuit line passes through at least part of the breakage portion and seamlessly connects the first and second end portions following the first closure and before the first opening of the closure, and wherein at least part of the circuit line is configured for separating from the breakage portion for interrupting a connection between the first and second end portions following the first opening of the closure.
 6. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, wherein the electric circuit is configured for: transmitting an electric signal representative of a closed condition of the electric circuit following a first closing of the closure and representative therefore of the first closing of the closure; and defining an interruption point of the electric circuit, the interruption point adapted to prevent transmission of the electric signal representative of the closed condition of the electric circuit following the first opening of the closure, the electric circuit being configured for providing the evidence of the tampering of the container according to a failed transmission of the electric signal.
 7. The tamper-evident container according to claim 4, wherein the housing comprises an internal surface delimiting the internal volume and an external surface that is opposite to the internal surface and that outwardly delimits the housing, wherein the first and second end portions are disposed apart from each other on the external surface of the housing for respectively defining first and second contacts, and wherein the first and second contacts are configured for: electrically connecting a detecting device, transmitting a representative signal of a closed condition of the electric circuit to the detecting device for confirming a presence of the breakage portion following the first closing of the closure and before the first opening of the closure, refraining from transmitting any signal following the first opening of the closure and following the first closing of the closure for providing an indication that the breakage portion is missing in association with the tampering of the container.
 8. The tamper-evident container according to claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a tab having a closure portion engaged with the edge of the housing and movable with respect to the housing, the tab further having an inserting portion configured for inserting inside of the volume of the housing in the closed configuration of the closure, wherein the safety device comprises: a first hooking portion provided by the tab of the closure, a second hooking portion engaged with the housing and configured for cooperating with the first hooking portion, wherein the first and second hooking portions are configured for stably engaging with each other during a first closing of the closure, wherein one or both of the first and second hooking portions bears the breakage portion, and wherein the electric circuit is disposed on the breakage portion borne by one or both of the first hooking portion and the second hooking portion.
 9. The tamper-evident container according to claim 8, wherein the second hooking portion is disposed at least partially in the internal volume of the housing, wherein the first hooking portion is configured for inserting at least partially in the internal volume of the housing for stably engaging the second hooking portion during the first closing of the closure, and wherein the breakage portion bears at least part of the electric circuit during the first closing of the closure.
 10. The tamper-evident container according to claim 4, wherein the first and second end portions of the electric circuit are defined on the housing.
 11. The tamper-evident container according to claim 8, wherein the first and second end portions of the electric circuit are defined on an external surface of the housing, and wherein the circuit line extends seamlessly from the housing to the breakage portion borne by the second hooking portion of the safety device following the first closing of the closure and before the first opening of the closure.
 12. A tamper-evident container comprising: a housing made of sheet material, defining an internal volume, and configured for housing products, the housing defining an opening delimited by an edge, the opening being configured for communicating the internal volume of the housing with an external environment; a closure made of sheet material disposed along the edge and movable with respect to the housing, the closure being configured for defining a closed configuration in which the closure prevents communication between the internal volume of the housing and the external environment, the closure being further configured for defining an open configuration in which the closure permits communication between the internal volume and the external environment; and an electric circuit connected to the housing and disposed at least in part on the closure, the electric circuit being configured for determining one or both of an electric property and a physical property of the electric circuit following a first closing of the closure.
 13. The tamper-evident container according to claim 12, wherein the electric property comprises one or both of a resistance of the electric circuit and an impedance of the electric circuit, and wherein the physical property comprises one or more of an open state of the electric circuit, a closed state of the electric circuit, a number of openings of the electric circuit following a first closing of the electric circuit, and a number of closings of the electric circuit.
 14. The tamper-evident container according to claim 12, wherein the electric circuit is configured for determining a tampering condition of the container as a function of a predetermined relationship between a reference parameter and one or both of the electric property and the physical property of the electric circuit, as determined by the electric circuit following a first closing of the closure.
 15. The tamper-evident container according to claim 12, wherein the electric circuit is configured for determining a predetermined number of closings of the closure and for determining a tampering condition of the container when the electric circuit determines that the closure has been closed more than once.
 16. The tamper-evident container according to claim 12, wherein the electric circuit comprises: a first terminal contact disposed on the closure; a second terminal contact connected to the housing, the second terminal contact being adapted to contact the first terminal contact in the closed configuration of the closure for defining a closing of the electric circuit; a circuit line electrically connecting the first and second terminal contacts in both the closed configuration and the open configuration of the closure; and a control unit active on the circuit line and configured for: determining the electric contact between the first and second terminal contacts and therefore the closing of the electric circuit, determining a number of closings of the electric circuit, and determining a tampering condition of the electric circuit when the electric circuit has been closed more than once.
 17. The tamper-evident container according to claim 16, wherein the housing comprises an internal surface delimiting the internal volume and an external surface that is opposite to the internal surface and that outwardly delimits the housing, wherein the closure comprises first and second surfaces respectively joined, seamlessly, with the internal and external surfaces of the housing, wherein the closure is at least partially inserted in the internal volume of the housing in the closed configuration, wherein the first terminal contact is defined on the second surface of the closure and the second terminal contact is defined inside of the housing, and wherein the first and second terminal contacts are configured for defining an electric contact in the closed configuration of the closure.
 18. The tamper-evident container according to claim 17, further comprising an abutment portion integrally joined to the edge of the housing and folded into the internal volume of the housing, the abutment portion made of sheet material and extending in thickness between first and second surfaces respectively joined, seamlessly, to the internal and external surfaces of the housing, wherein the closure is adapted to abut the abutment portion inside of the housing, wherein the second terminal contact is defined on the second surface of the abutment portion, the first terminal contact being defined on the second surface of the closure, and wherein the circuit line extends seamlessly on the second surface of the abutment portion, the external surface of the housing, and the second surface of the closure.
 19. The tamper-evident container according to claim 12, wherein the closure comprises a tab having a closure portion engaged with the edge of the housing and movable with respect to the housing, the tab further having an inserting portion configured for inserting, in the closed configuration of the closure, inside of the internal volume of the housing, wherein the first terminal contact is defined on the inserting portion, wherein the container comprises a safety device made of sheet material and having: a first hooking portion borne by the tab of the closure, a second hooking portion engaged with the housing and configured for cooperating with the first hooking portion, wherein the first and second hooking portions are configured for stably engaging with each other during a first closing of the closure, wherein the second hooking portion is disposed inside of the housing and substantially defines at least part of the abutment portion bearing the second terminal contact configured for electrically contacting the first terminal contact borne by the inserting portion of the closure.
 20. The tamper-evident container according to claim 19, wherein one or both of the first and the second hooking portions comprises at least one breakage portion configured for separating from the safety device following the first opening of the closure and following the first closing for providing evidence of a tampering with the container in the closing configuration of the closure, the first hooking portion being configured for inserting at least partially into the internal volume of the housing for stably engaging the second hooking portion. 